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Judge finds Timothy Jackson guilty of speeding; dealer-tag charge dismissed
Summary
After a bench trial, the judge found Timothy Jackson guilty of speeding 69 mph in a 45 mph zone and acquitted him of an improper dealer-tag charge; the court assessed fines and allowed 60 days to pay.
A Clayton County State Court judge found Timothy Jackson guilty of speeding after a bench trial in which a uniformed sergeant testified about LIDAR training, calibration and the recorded speed at the stop location. The court granted the defense's motion for a directed verdict on the improper-use-of-dealer-tag charge but accepted the state's speed evidence.
Sergeant Sherry (testifying for the Clayton County Police Department) described annual calibration and shift checks of the LIDAR device and said she recorded the vehicle at 69 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. Defense counsel Adam Klein questioned specifics about sign placement and exact distances to posted limits, and the defendant testified he believed he was traveling about 55 mph. After weighing testimony, Judge Tammy Long Hayward found Jackson guilty of speeding and not guilty on the dealer-tag allegation.
On sentencing, the court imposed a $100 base fine — approximately $151.50 after surcharges — and allowed up to 60 days to pay. The court instructed defense counsel to provide an email address so the clerk could send the sentencing sheet and other paperwork.
