ATLANTA — After Atlanta Police released body camera video of the arrest of Douglas County Probate Judge Christina Peterson, her lawyer said there's more to the story.
Attorney and Fulton County commissioner Marvin Arrington shared newly-released cell phone video with 11Alive of what happened before she was taken into custody.
In the clip, you first see commotion outside of Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge, in Buckhead. Then, you hear and see a dispute between a woman, who identifies herself as Alexandria Love, and another man. Next, you see the man punch Love several times. She is taken to the ground. Eventually, Peterson comes into the frame, appearing to try to break up the fight.
Arrington believes his client was so distracted, that she didn't realize who was around her.
"She didn't even know the officer was there," Arrington said.
When the police arrived, the body camera video showed the arresting officer walking into the commotion to assist in de-escalating the fight. However, the officer ended up handcuffing Peterson after she was accused of hitting the officer, according to arrest warrants.
Initially, APD said its footage wouldn't be released until the case is adjudicated. However, the body camera video was released Friday night. When asked why, the department provided this statement:
"This is an open and active investigation. There are no further details to release at this time."
Police said they are still investigating the report of Love being assaulted.
Later in the body camera video, Peterson cursed at the officer and refused to identify herself.
Peterson's conduct in the courtroom has been previously questioned. A case is currently before the Georgia Supreme Court to decide if she committed judicial misconduct.
Whether indicted or not in the most recent case, the final decision on her employment will come down to the Georgia Judicial Qualifications Commission, according to the attorney general's office. The office said she could face suspension with no pay.
"I don't know how any of that would be relevant to what occurred the other night," Arrington said.
Arrington said he's focused on making sure his client's charges are dismissed. He said he believes between the cell phone video and surveillance camera from the nearby businesses, he's got a good defense. He said he turned the evidence over to the district attorney and sent spoliation letters to all of the businesses nearby.
"We are hopeful that once they review the video and look at the totality of the circumstances they will see that Judge Peterson's role was not that of an offender and that she never should have been arrested," Arrington said.
A spokesperson from the JQC said:
"Ultimately, the Supreme Court of Georgia is the only entity that can remove a sitting judge from office. The JQC Rules provide a mechanism for the Investigative Panel to seek an interim suspension if a judge is indicted for a felony, but the case would still have to go through our process, which includes a hearing before the JQC’s Hearing Panel and a final determination by the Supreme Court of Georgia."
Peterson's term ends in December.