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Judge accepts no-contest plea after defendant fired into vehicle; probation and firearm forfeiture ordered
Summary
In Clayton County State Courtroom 304, Reginald Rodriguez Benton entered a no-contest plea to reckless conduct after firing into a vehicle he said he believed was stolen; Judge Tammy Long Hayward imposed 12 months probation, community service, a fine, required a firearms course and ordered forfeiture of the weapon.
Judge Tammy Long Hayward accepted a negotiated no-contest plea from Reginald Rodriguez Benton in case 2023CR04594 after the state described Benton firing into a departing vehicle he told officers he believed was stolen.
The prosecutor summarized the incident: "He stated he fired once into the vehicle's rear as it drove away," and recommended dismissal of the firearms count with a plea to reckless conduct. Defense counsel announced the negotiated plea and the judge reviewed the consequences with Benton before accepting it.
Judge Hayward pronounced sentence that included 12 months of probation with one day to serve, credit for time served, 40 hours of community service, a $300 fine (totaling $444 with surcharges), a requirement to forfeit the firearm and completion of a firearm safety course. The court also ordered Benton to have no weapons while on probation. "You don't know if there's, like, kids in there," Hayward admonished, emphasizing the risks of firing into a vehicle.
The judge instructed probation staff to explain reporting requirements and the conditions for probation termination after completion of special conditions. Benton was placed in a breakout room with probation staff to review next steps.
