Driver enters no-contest plea in Interstate crash; court orders $500 restitution and pay-only probation

Shirley Downing Polk entered a plea of nolo contendere in Clayton County State Court on Dec. 16, 2024, for a traffic offense stemming from a Dec. 15, 2024 interstate crash. The victim, identified during the hearing as Shaquille (Ms.) Everett (also referenced as Ms. Fuller/Ward in related cases), appeared and sought restitution for a $500 insurance deductible and out-of-pocket medical costs.

Judge Tammy Long Haywood reviewed the factual basis provided by the prosecutor, who said Polk struck a vehicle that had slowed to respond to a disabled car. The prosecutor recommended a nominal fine; the judge and prosecutor discussed restitution requested by the victim for a $500 deductible.

Polk told the court she was unsure whether her insurance had covered the deductible; the judge explained that if Polk’s insurer or Polk herself had already compensated the victim, the court would not order duplicate payments, but that the court would generally order restitution for out-of-pocket deductible amounts. Polk asked for time to verify insurance payments.

The court accepted Polk’s nolo plea and imposed a fine of $50 (with court surcharges calculated later) and ordered restitution of $500. The court placed Polk on 12 months of pay-only probation that would terminate as soon as all fines, fees and restitution had been paid. Ms. Everett told the court she had paid $500 out of pocket for medical therapy for her son and that she had not been reimbursed; the judge made clear that the criminal proceeding could order only out-of-pocket expenses and that civil claims for pain and suffering would need to be pursued separately.

Probation staff will meet with Polk after the hearing to enroll her in pay-only probation and explain reporting and payment procedures.