Former Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson, recently arrested on charges of assaulting a police officer, has released cell phone footage in an effort to bolster her defense.
Peterson, 38, insists that the circumstances surrounding her case extend beyond what is depicted in police bodycam footage, as reported by 11 Alive.
Her attorney, Marvin Arrington, has shared newly obtained cell phone footage that captures the chaotic events leading up to Peterson’s arrest.
The video, shared online, shows a confrontation outside the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge in Buckhead, Atlanta. A woman, identified as Alexandria Love, and a man are seen fighting, with the man repeatedly punching Love and knocking her to the ground.
Peterson appears in the footage attempting to break up the altercation, at which point an officer intervenes. Arrington asserts that Peterson was unaware of the officer’s presence when she allegedly struck him, as she was preoccupied with the ongoing chaos.
“She didn’t even know the officer was there,” Arrington explained.
According to arrest warrants, Peterson was taken into custody after hitting the officer who was trying to de-escalate the situation. Body camera footage shows her being handcuffed while bystanders demanded her release. Another video captures Peterson arguing with an officer from inside the squad car and refusing to identify herself.
Authorities released the bodycam footage on Friday, June 21, before the case went to court, offering no specific explanation for its release.
“This is an open and active investigation. There are no further details to release at this time,” stated the Atlanta Police Department.
On Tuesday, June 25, the Georgia Supreme Court ordered Peterson’s removal from office following an investigation into unrelated ethics charges.
“Accordingly, it is ordered that Judge Christina Peterson of the Douglas County Probate Court be removed from office, effective upon the date of this opinion,” the court ruled.
The Judicial Qualifications Commission found “systemic incompetence” in its investigation, recommending her removal in April. Peterson faced 30 counts, with 12 warranting disciplinary action from the court.
Following her removal, Peterson is barred from holding any judicial position in Georgia for seven years.
In a recent appearance on Audacy’s V-103 “Big Tigger Morning Show,” Peterson confirmed her removal and the charges against her. She attributed her ousting to persistent opposition since her election as the first Black female Democrat to serve as Douglas County probate judge.
“Ever since I was elected, people started filing charges, frivolous complaints against me. Baseless complaints,” Peterson told Big Tigger.
Out of the 50 counts brought against her, 20 were dismissed, a hearing panel removed 10, and the remaining 20 led to her official removal.
Peterson criticized the media’s portrayal, asserting she was unfairly judged by public opinion rather than the facts.
“Nothing I have done has been willful,” she stated.
