After trial start, driver admits 85 mph; judge accepts reduced fine and defendant pays

Lewis Edward Billingsley went to trial June 5, 2025, in State Court of Clayton County on a speeding citation. After the state’s officer witness described pacing the defendant and playing body‑camera footage that included the defendant’s statement, Billingsley acknowledged driving 85 mph in a 65 mph zone. The court then accepted a reduced fine and Billingsley paid in court.

Officer Jeremy Parks of the Clayton County Police Department testified that he paced Billingsley at a speed he initially recorded as 90 mph, activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle. Parks then returned to the defendant and, during on‑scene interaction captured on body camera, the defendant said he was doing 85 mph. Parks said he wrote the citation for 85 mph based on that admission.

During cross‑examination the defendant questioned pacing as a speed‑measurement method and raised concerns about signage and depth perception at night. The video of the interaction recorded the defendant saying, “I was doing 85 according to this,” and describing why he was driving faster to get home. Judge Hayward noted the defendant had admitted the 85 mph speed both on video and in court.

Given the admission and the officer’s testimony, the court found the state had proven the speeding offense. The judge noted an earlier offer to reduce the charge to 15 miles over the limit for a $100 fine (with surcharges to $151.50) and asked whether the defendant wanted to accept it rather than risk a conviction with a higher fine. Billingsley accepted the offer and paid $151.50 at the traffic window as directed. The court cautioned him to report any sentencing or probation instructions and reminded him that the fastest way to get rearrested is failing to report if placed on probation.