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Driver found guilty of school‑zone speeding; judge reduces fine to $100
Summary
James A. Parker was found guilty of speeding 44 mph in a school zone where the limit is 25 while flashing. Officer Richard Vanderpool testified the zone lights were operational at about 8 a.m.; Judge Hayward imposed a $100 fine (surcharges apply) and gave Parker 30 days to pay.
James A. Parker was found guilty on Wednesday of speeding in a school zone after a December 2023 stop on Fayetteville Road, the Clayton County State Court docket shows.
Officer Richard Vanderpool testified he confirmed the school‑zone flashing lights and used LiDAR to verify Parker’s speed at 44 mph in a posted 25 mph school zone. Parker testified he travels the route daily and disputed whether the lights were active; the officer said he checks the lights before setting up enforcement and confirmed they were flashing during the stop.
Why it matters: The court reduced the state’s $200 recommendation and set a $100 fine (about $151.50 with surcharges). Judge Hayward stressed the need for extra caution in school zones and gave Parker 30 days to pay or arrange payment with the clerk.
The officer said the LiDAR device was checked and calibrated; the judge accepted the officer’s calibration testimony and the device reading as the basis for the conviction. Parker exercised his right to testify and argued that the lights were not always operational; the judge found the officer’s observations sufficient to prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court admonished Parker to be mindful of school‑zone speeds; the fine was reduced by the judge despite the state’s recommended higher penalty based on timing and the school‑zone designation.
