Verdict Reached For Ex-GA Judge Accused Of Hitting Officer

ATLANTA, GA — More than a year after she was arrested and accused of hitting an Atlanta Police officer outside a Buckhead nightclub, former Douglas County probate judge Christina Peterson has been acquitted.

Peterson, who was 38-year-old at the time she was removed from the bench in June 2024, was reportedly found not guilty of a misdemeanor obstruction charge. She represented herself during a speedy trial in Fulton County, and a jury acquitted her Thursday.

She shared her reaction to the acquittal in an Instagram video posted Thursday.

Peterson captioned the post: "Acquitted! Not guilty! I learned to trust myself and represented myself. I let the truth speak! Thank you to the jury."

In the video, she added, "All glory be to God. ... It feels very good."

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Peterson initially faced two felony charges, simple battery against police officer/police dog/corrections or detention officer and willful obstruction of law enforcement officers by use of threats or violence, but they were dismissed "for want of prosecution."

The charges against her stem from an incident at the Peachtree Road nightclub.

Upon arrival, police previously said the officer saw security escorting a woman out of the venue.

Peterson then "rushed toward the commotion and immediately starting screaming at the security guard and officer. Ms. Peterson then forcibly pushed the officer in the chest and kept swiping his hands away as he attempted to assist the female being escorted out," police said.

Police accused Peterson of shoving the officer once more before being placed into custody. Police said she continuously refused to identify herself.

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Peterson previously took to Instagram to say she was helping a woman who was being attacked by men at the club when police arrested her.

Both Atlanta Police and Peterson have shared video footage from the incident.

Shortly after, the Judicial Qualifications Commission ruled Peterson violated multiple Code of Judicial Conduct policies since taking office, per an 82-page Georgia Supreme Court decision previously obtained by Patch.

Peterson was sworn in as Douglas County probate judge in December 2020 after running unopposed in the general election. Before then, she was a practicing attorney.

It is unclear if Peterson will be reinstated as a judge.

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