Justice Janae Harris enters guilty plea under Georgia First Offender Act in shoplifting case

Justice Janae Harris pleaded guilty Jan. 2, 2025, in Clayton County State Court to one count of theft by shoplifting and asked the court to take the matter under Georgia’s First Offender Act.

The state presented the factual basis: on or about Dec. 9, 2023, at 5745 Jonesboro Road (a Dollar General in Lake City, Georgia), the defendant placed multiple containers of body lotion and other self-care items into a backpack, passed points of sale and left the store without paying, with total value under $500. The state indicated the warrant was completed by Officer Quintavious Howard.

Miss Hagler, the solicitor’s office prosecutor, told the court the state’s recommendation included 12 months probation, a $300 fine, 40 hours of community service and completion of a theft-prevention course. Judge Tammy Long Hayward confirmed the details on the record and explained surcharges would raise the $300 fine to about $444 and that probation supervision fees were approximately $52 per month.

The judge accepted the First Offender plea after advising the defendant of rights that are forfeited by entering a plea and warned of immigration consequences for non-citizens. The judge then placed Harris in a probation-intake breakout so probation staff could explain reporting requirements and other conditions.

Why it matters: A First Offender disposition allows eligible defendants to complete sentence requirements without an immediate permanent conviction on the public record if they successfully complete the terms; it carries specific reporting and completion obligations and can affect immigration status.

Court-record details and conditions announced in court: - Offense: Theft by shoplifting (value under $500) at Dollar General, 5745 Jonesboro Road, Lake City, Georgia, Clayton County. - Plea: Guilty under Georgia First Offender Act (defendant’s counsel requested consideration under the statute). - Sentence (state recommendation accepted by court): 12 months probation; $300 fine (estimated $444 with surcharges); 40 hours community service; completion of a theft-prevention course; stay-away order from the Dollar General at the listed address. - Probation intake: The court ordered an immediate probation intake meeting and warned that failing to report is a common reason probation fails.

Quotes from the hearing: "Pursuant to the state warrant in the packet on or about December 9, 2023 ... the defendant did conceal merchandise from Dollar General ... valued at less than $500," Miss Hagler told the court describing the factual basis.

Judge Hayward explained financial consequences: "$300 fine is actually $444 with the surcharges" and reminded the defendant that probation reporting is required.

Ending: The judge sent Harris to probation intake with instructions to ask probation officers questions and to comply with all assigned requirements. The court recorded the plea and the sentencing terms on the Jan. 2, 2025, arraignment calendar.