A Clayton County State Court judge concluded a lengthy traffic-docket session on Aug. 22, 2024, resolving a mix of bench trials, negotiated pleas and dismissals in a calendar that ran well past scheduled times.

The court acquitted the defendant in an early failure-to-yield case after hearing testimony about vehicle positions and damage. The judge said there was reasonable doubt and announced, “you’re not guilty in of the offense in this case, and you’re free to go at this time.” The state had argued that damage patterns were consistent with a turn into oncoming traffic; the defendant testified she had come to a complete stop before entering the roadway and that initial contact was at the front bumper and passenger door.

In one of the day’s higher-profile trials, the court accepted a negotiated resolution in a speeding case involving R L McGee. Deputy Malik Clark testified he paced McGee at roughly 95–96 mph on I‑285, while McGee told the court he was on cruise control and that his system was set near 73 mph. The judge ordered a $100 fine for the speeding offense, with statutory surcharges (total $151.50) and 30 days to pay; the court discussed points consistent with a speed in the low 70s over a 65‑mph limit.

Another bench trial resulted in an acquittal for Broderick Marquis Lyles, who had been cited for driving too fast for conditions after a single‑vehicle collision on I‑75. Officer Mosby testified that rain and a large puddle were present at the crash site; Lyles testified he hydroplaned after hitting a sudden puddle and submitted photographs of the location. After hearing the evidence, the judge found Lyles not guilty and released him.

Several defendants resolved their cases by plea or negotiated disposition. Phyllis Elaine Sellers pled guilty to a reduced speeding offense (speed marked down to 59 in a 45 zone under the negotiated plea); the court imposed a $100 fine (total with surcharges $151.50). Mark Thompson entered a NOLO plea on an erratic-lane-change charge; one related stopping-on-the-roadway count was dismissed. Dakota Ritter was found not guilty on a too‑fast‑for‑conditions and seat‑belt allegation but was found guilty of erratic lane change and passing on the shoulder; the state recommended $100 fines on those counts. Rashad Crum’s equipment violation (headlights) was resolved with a $100 suspended fine after he explained his vehicle’s automatic headlights were malfunctioning.

The court handled dozens of other matters across three consecutive calendars: several cases were dismissed (no pross) by agreement with the state; multiple defendants entered Nolo or guilty pleas and were instructed to pay fines at the traffic‑court window; a small number of matters were reset because required officers were unavailable. The judge repeatedly urged patience, noting the unusually large number of trials on the bench calendar and explaining payment and follow‑up procedures for defendants who were released.

What happened next: defendants who were assessed fines were directed to the traffic court window on the second floor for payment and paperwork; some cases were reset to later calendars where officers were not present. The court closed the session after completing the active calendars for the day.

Key quotes from the record include the judge’s acquittal announcement, “you’re not guilty in of the offense in this case, and you’re free to go at this time,” and a defendant’s testimony in mitigation: “I was on cruise,” referring to his claim that cruise control limited his speed during the stop and subsequent contact with officers.