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Judge Hayward explains plea options as Clayton County State Court clears multiple arraignments
Summary
Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened Courtroom 304's virtual arraignment calendar, reviewed defendants' constitutional rights and plea options, and processed a mix of pleas, waivers and bench-warrant orders while directing unrepresented defendants to appointed counsel and breakout-room conferences.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened the Clayton County State Court arraignment calendar in Courtroom 304, telling participants the trial court can resolve cases by plea, trial or administrative action and reminding everyone of the right to counsel. "Everyone is entitled to have an attorney represent you," she said, and added that if a defendant cannot afford counsel the court will appoint one.
Hayward outlined three plea options—not guilty, guilty and nolo contendere—and emphasized that a not guilty plea preserves the right to trial and requires the state to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. She cautioned against self-representation: "If you are not a trained attorney, the court cannot treat you any differently than they would treat an attorney," she said, explaining the procedural disadvantages of proceeding without counsel.
The judge also reviewed penalties and procedural consequences: convicted defendants can face up to 12 months in jail and a $5,000 fine per offense, and have 30 days to appeal a jury or bench verdict. She urged commercial drivers to research potential impacts on their commercial driver's license before entering pleas, noting the court cannot advise about consequences to a driver's employment.
Court staff and assigned attorneys used Zoom breakout rooms to confer privately with defendants and the state's solicitors. Hayward asked remote participants to place their first and last name on screen and to use the chat function to receive sentencing sheets and payment instructions by email. The calendar concluded with a recap of pleas, waivers and outstanding bench-warrant requests.
