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Judge converts fines to 90 hours of community service for Benelon Banks, offers pay-only probation
Summary
After a negotiated plea in Clayton County State Court, Benelon Lynn Banks was given an option to perform 90 hours of community service in lieu of fines and was placed on 12-month pay-only probation with the first three months' supervision fees suspended if she completes hours early.
During the Dec. 4, 2025 arraignment calendar in Courtroom 304, Benelon Lynn Banks entered negotiated pleas on multiple traffic-related counts, including driving on a suspended license and a high-speed threshold captured by LIDAR. Prosecutors recommended fines and probation. Defense counsel requested conversion of fines to community service based on Banks's unemployment status and caregiving responsibilities for five children.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted the negotiated terms and exercised discretion to convert monetary sanctions into community-service hours: 50 hours for the primary suspended-license-related fine, 20 hours for a $200 offense, and two 10-hour conversions for lesser counts, totaling 90 hours of community service. The judge imposed 12 months of pay-only probation and suspended probation supervision fees for the first three months if Banks completes the community service early. The judge explained the probation reporting process and encouraged Banks to sign up with probation staff (Miss James in Courtroom 305) and to obtain her sentencing sheet from the clerk’s office to understand exact deadlines and options for completing service.
Judge Hayward framed the conversion as an opportunity for rehabilitation and community contribution and advised Banks to complete the requirements promptly to avoid default and potential enforcement actions. The prosecutor did not object to converting fines to community service in this case.
