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Clayton County State Court calendar call clears many cases; multiple pleas accepted including DUI sentences
Summary
Judge Tammy Long Hayward presided over the May 4 trial‑calendar call, during which the court accepted multiple negotiated pleas — including DUI pleas — resolved Suspended Sentence Division matters and reviewed red‑light and crossing‑guard appeals affecting school‑zone safety.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward convened the State Court of Clayton County calendar call on April 20, 2026, confirming this is the May 4 trial calendar and instructing that all jury trials will be held in person in Courtroom 304 at 9151 Terara Boulevard.
The session moved through a heavy docket with prosecutors from the solicitor’s office, represented in the hearing by Mon’nique Adams, and multiple defense lawyers announcing ready status, requesting conferences and entering negotiated pleas. The court repeatedly reminded defendants under bond to follow bond conditions and asked remote attendees to display full names and mute devices.
Major pleas accepted included: Margaret Charerelle Norman, who pleaded nolo contendere to an amended county disorderly‑conduct charge and received six months probation, a $500 fine and completion of an anger‑management class; and Brandon Kofel, who pleaded guilty to a driving‑less‑safe DUI count (factual basis: breath test of 0.125) and was sentenced to 12 months with 24 hours to serve, the balance probated, a $300 fine (approximate total nearer $600 with fees), 40 hours of community service, a DUI risk‑reduction program and random testing. Other pleas accepted included Maris Smith (reduced to disorderly conduct, $300 fine), Jaylen Pearson (no contest to hitting a fixed object, $300 fine with 60 days to pay) and Robbie Irvin Matthysse (first‑offender plea to a family‑violence battery count with probation, suspended fine and community service).
Several DUI defendants were placed into probation intake and the court ordered Spanish interpreters where needed. The judge also noted discovery and video‑evidence issues in specific cases and allowed defense counsel to file motions when the state reported no video existed.
The court took administrative actions including assigning numerous conferences to breakout rooms for plea negotiations, setting plea‑by‑video options for resolved cases, and reminding defendants about how to obtain sentencing sheets and payment options via the clerk’s office.
The calendar call concluded with the court scheduling remaining matters for May 4 in person, instructing defendants who owe fines to pay online or at the clerk’s counter, and noting that some cases were continued or reset for lack of appointed counsel or pending evaluations.
