DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — The Douglas County judge arrested and charged with a felony following a fight at a Buckhead nightclub was removed from her position due to unrelated violations, according to the Georgia Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Courts stated in their opinion that Christina J. Peterson acted in willful judicial misconduct. The panel identified 28 proven counts of misconduct out of 30 alleged violations.
Douglasville resident Sandra McBean couldn't believe it.
"Do your job the right way. 28 violations? That's a lot," McBean said.
"The seriousness of certain of those violations, the pattern of misconduct the Director proved by clear and convincing evidence, and the adverse demeanor and credibility determinations the Hearing Panel made after observing live testimony from Judge Peterson all contribute to the conclusion we reach today," the court said in part.
Some violations were related to mishandling a criminal contempt matter, engaging in unauthorized ex parte communications, and failing to provide due process protections. Additional violations included improper conduct toward county officials and inappropriate use of court resources.
"Her misconduct has already demonstrably eroded the public’s respect for the judicial system," the opinion read.
The Hearing Panel noted Judge Peterson’s adverse demeanor and credibility issues, which included instances of false testimony and attempts to mislead the panel. This behavior contributed significantly to the decision to remove her from office.
"She's not fit. She's unfit, because she's a little corruption business-like or she thinks she can push things under the table," McBean said. "Just abuse of power."
A spokesperson for Douglas County said nothing like this has ever happened before to one of their judges.
Peterson posted on Instagram after the decision.
Peterson's attorney Lester Tate released this statement:
“As a trial lawyer, you never like to lose a case. I will let my client speak to the substance of the charges because it is and has been her case. Procedurally, I’m pleased that we were able to provide her with a vigorous defense in court, getting numerous counts dismissed and fighting off two motions for interim suspension, even though today we lost the ultimate battle.”
One of the motions had to do with last Thursday's arrest outside of Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge in Buckhead. An Atlanta Police arresting officer accused Peterson of punching him, and a statement from the department accuses her of pushing the officer twice. Peterson faces battery on an officer and felony obstruction of law enforcement charges.
Attorney Marvin Arrington, who is representing Peterson in her criminal case, maintains that this was a misunderstanding and she was breaking up a fight. He believes the case will be dismissed.
Douglasville resident Tiffany Keys said the body camera footage proved Peterson should be held to a higher standard.
"When you hold office, you're accountable," Keys said. "And even if you're off, you're really not off."
A Douglas County representative said a senior judge will likely appoint a retired judge to take Peterson's place until her term ends in December. McBean is hoping this won't happen again with the next judge.
"I need respect. I need truth," McBean said.
"I expect for them to act accordingly and uphold the law," Keys said.
Courts ordered that Peterson's removal be immediate, adding that Judge Peterson "shall not be eligible to be elected or appointed to any judicial office in this state until seven years have elapsed' from the date of this opinion."
"Give her time to think about what she (has) done and not repeat it," McBean said.