Judge accepts DUI pleas in two cases; sentences include jail time, probation and treatment requirements

Clayton County State Court on Aug. 25 accepted guilty pleas in at least two DUI cases, imposing a mix of short jail service, extended probation and treatment-related conditions.

Why it matters: The court’s sentences—combining brief jail time, fines and intensive probation conditions—underscore the county’s approach to DUI cases that include mandatory substance-abuse evaluations, random testing and risk-reduction education.

DuPont Veil Bridges: The court took a negotiated plea in State v. DuPont Veil Bridges, 2022CR00630. Assistant district attorney William Tipton described facts and recommended a sentence on Count 1 (DUI less safe) of 12 months with two days to serve, credit for time served, a $300 fine, 40 hours of community service, a substance-abuse evaluation and any recommended treatment, random testing, and a DUI risk-reduction course. Tipton said counts 2 and 4 would be dismissed per plea negotiations and Count 3 would carry a suspended $15 fine.

Defense counsel (Miss Tortorello) confirmed the negotiated plea; Bridges affirmed the plea on the record. Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted the plea and imposed the state’s recommendation on Count 1: 12 months with two days to serve, credit for time served, $300 fine with balance probated, 40 hours community service, a substance-abuse evaluation and any treatment recommended, no drugs or alcohol during probation, random testing, and a DUI risk-reduction course. Count 3 will run concurrently with Count 1 with the $15 fine suspended. The judge admonished Bridges about consequences and alternatives to driving under the influence.

Lashandra Alicia Turner: In State v. Lashandra Alicia Turner (05/27/2023 incident), prosecutors presented a factual basis that included field sobriety test results and a blood test showing a 0.15 BAC. Turner’s counsel (Mister Lynch) stated the negotiated resolution: guilty to Count 1 (DUI per se), Count 2 to merge, a nolo plea to Count 3 and Count 4 as guilty but with suspended fines under the terms. The state recommended 12 months with two days to serve, credit for time served, balance probated, $300 fine, 40 hours community service, DUI risk reduction course, no drugs or alcohol during probation, substance-abuse evaluation and treatment as needed. The judge accepted the pleas and imposed the recommended sentence and special conditions; the court placed Turner into a breakout room with probation staff for intake instructions.

Both cases: Sentences included mandatory reporting to probation, random testing, community-service requirements and substance-abuse evaluation and treatment where ordered. The judge repeatedly emphasized alternatives to driving under the influence and the risk to others if defendants return to impaired driving.

Sources: Proceedings of Clayton County State Court, Aug. 25, 2025, arraignment calendar and plea colloquies.