Man who recorded 91 mph on I-75 accepts probation, community service under plea deal

Sheridan Vander Cruz Jr. pleaded nolo to a single speeding count after prosecutors agreed to dismiss related driving and marijuana charges, the State Court of Clayton County heard Aug. 28.
The state told the court officers recorded Vander Cruz traveling 91 mph in a 65 mph zone using a LIDAR device (serial number 11096). Prosecutors said they would "no cross" counts for driving on a suspended or revoked license, no license and possession of one ounce or less of marijuana in exchange for proceeding only on the speeding charge.
Why it matters: The plea resolves multiple charges and imposes probation and community-service obligations instead of a straight fine or jail time.
Under the agreement, Vander Cruz faces 12 months of probation, 50 hours of community service (the transcript repeatedly specifies "50"), a driver improvement course approved by the Georgia Department of Driver Services and a $500 fine as listed by the state; the judge accepted the recommendation and ordered probation intake with the court's probation officer. Judge Tammy Long Hayward instructed Vander Cruz to report promptly and warned that probation carries a supervision fee (court noted $50 a month) and that failure to report could lead to rearrest.
Vander Cruz told the court he was experiencing financial hardship and asked to substitute community service for some or all of the fine; the state agreed to 50 hours of community service plus the driver improvement course. The court placed Vander Cruz in a breakout room with the probation expert to complete intake and to explain reporting and termination conditions.