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Judge Hayward oversees July 9 arraignment calendar in Clayton County State Court; several pleas and dismissals recorded
Summary
At the July 9, 2026 arraignment calendar (Courtroom 304 via Zoom), Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted pleas ranging from not guilty to nolo contendere and guilty, issued bench warrants for absent defendants, and approved plea amendments and dismissals including a nolo plea in case 2023CR03584 and a guilty plea in case 2023CR03559.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened the Clayton County State Court (Courtroom 304) arraignment calendars on July 9, 2026, and reviewed defendants’ rights, plea options and potential penalties, including the court’s authority to appoint counsel to indigent defendants.
The court moved through the 10:00 and 11:00 calendars by calling each case, placing several defendants into private breakout-room conferences with defense counsel and, where appropriate, resolving matters on the record. Judge Hayward repeatedly reminded those released on bond to obey bond conditions and explained how to obtain copies of bond conditions and refunds of cash bonds after case resolution.
Key case outcomes included an amended plea and fee schedule for Adrian Cervantes Garcia (Case 2023CR03584). After counsel and the state conferred with an interpreter present, the court accepted a nolo contendere plea to count 1 (no license). The court adopted the state’s recommendation of a $500 fine (total with fees $737.50) and allowed up to 60 days for payment, explaining that a defendant may apply a cash-bond refund toward fines if the bond is refunded by the sheriff’s office.
In a separate matter, Brooke Salinas (Case 2023CR03559) pled guilty to theft by shoplifting. The state described a factual basis that the unpaid items totaled $115.86. Judge Hayward accepted the plea and imposed a 12‑month sentence with credit for 20 days served; the balance was suspended contingent on no new violations and the court ordered that Salinas not return to the identified retail location.
The court also approved a negotiated amendment in the matter of Patrice Neil (Case 2024CR02535): the state moved to withdraw the criminal-trespass charge and accept a county-disorderly conviction with the state’s recommendation of a $300 fine (with possible surcharges), and time-served credit; the court set the payment window discussed on the record.
Throughout the calendars, defense counsel announced numerous not-guilty pleas for other defendants, several cases were designated as “no process” (dismissed) by the state when documentation or proof (for example, proof of insurance) was provided, and bench warrants were ordered for defendants who did not appear when called. The court instructed defendants who had paid cash bonds about procedures for obtaining refunds, noting the sheriff’s office retains an administrative fee.
Judge Hayward emphasized procedural cautions repeatedly: defendants choosing to represent themselves face substantial risks in court; CDL holders should consider impacts on driving privileges because certain pleas or convictions can lead to points or license suspension; and nolo-contendere pleas may offer certain traffic‑related benefits but are available only once in five years for similar offenses.
The calendars concluded after the court and counsel completed private conferences in breakout rooms for remaining matters. Judge Hayward closed the session with reminders about bond conditions, payment deadlines and upcoming court dates.
