Mr. Mike

Winfrey appeared in the Fayette County State Court on

June 3, 1999. He pled not guilty to speeding 68 mph in a

45-mph zone on Ga. Highway 85, just north of Pavilion

Parkway. The Fayetteville officer testified

professionally as to how he obtained an accurate reading

on Mr. Winfrey's speed. Mr. Winfrey testified that

although he thought the speed limit was actually 55 mph,

due to not seeing a speed limit sign, he intentionally

was speeding. He set his speed control at 65 mph. He

didn't contest the speed obtained by the officer.

Judge

Fletcher Sams told Mr. Winfrey that he understood his

argument, had some sympathy for his situation. He thus

found Mr. Winfrey guilty of only speeding 68 mph in a

55-mph zone, a break of 10 mph in Mr. Winfrey's favor.

At this

time I introduced evidence to the court that within the

past two years, Mr. Winfrey had two additional speeding

convictions, as well as two additional speed-related

collisions, where he struck innocent citizens from

behind, and was convicted for following too closely. When

confronted with such an aggressive driving history, to

which Mr. Winfrey admitted, he was sentenced to a $500

fine, and 12 months of probation, with the condition that

he not again speed during the 12 months.

In the

State Court of Fayette County, we are aware that in 1997,

in Georgia alone, motor vehicle crash fatalities

outnumbered homicide victims by almost three to one

(1,584 vs. 563). It must also be noted that speed more

than tripled the risk of a crash being fatal as compared

to any other factor.

Justice is

the fair and equitable administration of our laws, based

upon truth, fact, and reason, including one's past

conduct or pattern of behavior. Whenever I enter court, I

seek justice not just for the accused, but for the

citizens of Fayette County. Their interests must be

protected.

Four other

courts in the past two years have failed to sufficiently

focus Mr. Winfrey's attention upon the problem of his

aggressive driving behavior. I am satisfied that the

State Court of Fayette County can keep him properly

focused.

Steven

L. Harris

Solicitor-General

State Court of Fayette County

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