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Judge Long Hayward explains plea options and rights at Clayton County traffic bench
Summary
Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened the July 27 traffic bench calendars in State Court of Clayton County, Georgia, reviewed defendants' trial rights and plea options, and cautioned against informal legal assumptions. She reminded defendants that only negotiation with the state can produce a nolo plea.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward opened the traffic bench session and told participants that the state carries the burden of proof. "The state has the burden of proving the case against you beyond a reasonable doubt," she said, and noted defendants have a right not to testify.
Long Hayward explained plea options, saying a nolo contendere ("nolo") can be recorded only through negotiation with the state's attorney. She also warned against relying on informal beliefs about the law, citing what she called a "barbershop concept" and giving an example about being waved into traffic: "That's not legal," she said. The judge told defendants that if they go to trial the outcome will be either guilty or not guilty and that a guilty verdict would affect driving records and points.
