Former Judge Vindicated, as Felony Charges Dropped After Attempting to Protect Woman at Buckhead Nightclub
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ATLANTA, Ga. — Former Douglas County Probate Court Judge Christina Peterson has had a felony charge dropped in connection with an incident at a Buckhead nightclub, clearing a major hurdle in her legal proceedings and underscoring her role in attempting to intervene in a violent altercation.
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 20, 2024, at the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge off Peachtree Road NE. Police responded to a disturbance involving a woman being attacked. Peterson, who was present, stepped in to protect the individual, and in the chaos, made inadvertent contact with an officer on the scene.
Peterson initially faced multiple charges, including:
- Felony willful obstruction of law enforcement
- Misdemeanor battery against a police officer
- Misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement
Her attorney at the time, Marvin Arrington Jr., emphasized that Peterson’s actions were motivated by concern for the safety of a woman being assaulted. Arrington noted that Peterson did not realize the officer was in the way and that the interaction had been mischaracterized.
On November 13, 2025, a Fulton County judge approved District Attorney Fani Willis’ motion to drop the felony obstruction charge and the misdemeanor battery charge, leaving only a single misdemeanor obstruction charge. The dismissal reflects recognition of Peterson’s protective intent rather than criminal misconduct.
Body camera footage released by police shows Peterson actively trying to intervene and defuse the situation, supporting her version of events. The woman Peterson aided publicly confirmed that Peterson did not intend to strike the officer.
While Peterson had previously been removed from the bench by the Georgia Supreme Court for unrelated judicial misconduct, this incident now highlights her commitment to stepping in when others were in danger, rather than any wrongdoing at the nightclub.
Peterson’s case remains under observation, but the recent dismissal of major charges has been widely interpreted as a vindication of her actions and intent to protect others.
