CLAYTON COUNTY, GA — A Georgia judge was left visibly stunned after a defendant appeared for his criminal arraignment shirtless and logging in directly from his bathroom, prompting a stern lecture on courtroom decorum mixed with some unexpected maternal health advice.
The virtual hearing before Clayton County Judge Hayward underscored the ongoing challenges judges face with public decorum as remote court proceedings remain standard practice.
A Bathroom Appearance for Misdemeanor Battery Charges
The case involved defendant Terry Bernard Carson, who was appearing virtually before the State Court of Clayton County to address a four-count criminal calendar.
Carson faces serious charges including:
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Count 1: Battery (Family Violence)
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Count 2: Battery
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Count 3: Simple Battery (Family Violence)
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Count 4: Criminal Trespass
When Carson logged into the Zoom court session, Judge Hayward immediately expressed disbelief upon noticing that he was completely shirtless and sitting inside a bathroom.
“Mr. Carson, can you put a shirt on, please?” Judge Hayward demanded. “We are actually conducting business. Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t understand how you all don’t see this as important. Would you come to the courtroom naked? So why would you in a bathroom? Get it together, folk! These things are important.”
Judge Hayward warned Carson that if convicted on even two of the family violence charges, he could easily face up to two consecutive years in the Clayton County Jail.
“I Have COVID-19”: Mixing Courtroom Decorum with Grandma Wisdom
When Judge Hayward pressed Carson on why he was attending a formal legal hearing without a shirt, Carson explained that he was feeling severely ill, stating, “I’m in a sick state of mind right now, I’m sick.”
While acknowledging his illness, Judge Hayward made it clear that feeling unwell was no excuse for ignoring basic court etiquette.
“Sick don’t keep you from putting a shirt on,” Judge Hayward countered. “Put you some Vicks VapoRub on and put your shirt on so you don’t get a cold. Don’t make me go old-school grandma on you!”
As the hearing progressed and the judge formally assigned public defender representation to his case, Carson admitted he had tested positive for COVID-19 and was struggling to keep his focus, adding, “I ain’t gonna lie, I got COVID-19, so I ain’t even in the right mindset… I’m just thinking how I got pissing myself right now.”
Hearing his struggle, Judge Hayward’s tone shifted from stern reprimand to maternal care:
“This is what you need to do: drink lots and lots and lots of water,” Judge Hayward advised. “Not Gatorade, not juice, nothing—lots of water because you need to flush it out of your system. This is mama wisdom right here.”
“I appreciate that, Mom,” Carson responded.
“Take lots of water—hot water with lemon if you got it,” Judge Hayward added before dismissing him from the call.
Bond Warnings and Next Steps
Before excusing Carson to consult with his newly appointed defense attorneys in a private breakout room, Judge Hayward issued a strict warning regarding his pre-trial bond conditions.
The judge warned Carson that he must adhere strictly to all protective orders, staying away from all named victims in his family violence case. She emphasized that violating protective orders could result in immediate rearrest, bond revocation, or new felony charges—specifically aggravated stalking, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.
Carson was ordered to obtain an official copy of his bond paperwork from the clerk’s office and maintain close contact with his appointed legal counsel while recovering.
Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2PC3uS1ibo