On Friday, August 25, 2023, Probate Judge Christina Peterson filed a motion in limine with the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) in the state of Georgia. The motion pertains to statements made by Jacqueline Caldwell and Bonnie Fasick, taken by JQC investigators or attorneys without the presence of Peterson’s counsel. The motion argued that this violated procedural and evidentiary rules governing the JQC proceedings.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Christina Peterson,” with case no. S22Z0180.
In a significant development in the ongoing inquiry concerning Judge Christina Peterson, the Director of the Judicial Qualifications Commission (JQC) in Georgia has recently issued a formal notice of intent to introduce additional evidence. The notice outlines the Director’s intention to present evidence of other wrongful acts or character traits by Judge Peterson at the upcoming final hearing.
The case, which has garnered attention in recent months, involves multiple complaints against Judge Christina Peterson, including allegations of professional misconduct. Judge Peterson confronts a series of allegations including inappropriate use of social media, endeavors to discuss ongoing court cases with involved parties, and instances of confrontational encounters with county staff.
According to the notice, the Director plans to introduce evidence related to specific social media posts and advertisements. This evidence includes; A social media post/advertisement on the “Douglas County Probate Court — Judge Christina J. Peterson” Facebook page from July 2022, promoting an upcoming stage play in which Judge Peterson participated and offering discounted tickets; Another social media post/advertisement on Judge Peterson’s “officialchristinaj” Instagram account from August 2022, highlighting her “debut performance” at a private business called Acere Cigar; A video posted on Judge Peterson’s “officialchristinaj” Instagram account from August 2022, during her “debut performance,” where she announced her roles as Probate Judge and listed the services she provides, including marriage licenses, marriages, weapon carry licenses, and guardianships.
In relation to this, Peterson filed a motion in limine. This motion aimed to restrict certain types of evidence from being presented during the proceedings. The motion sought to preclude opinions from witnesses about Peterson’s behavior and its effects on themselves, the community, or public opinion, including witnesses like Stephanie M. Williams, Mary Lawson, and Jerry Pece. It also aimed to prevent the admission of evidence such as “Tweets,” websites, or social media materials unless they were properly authenticated, complete, and represented the best evidence. Additionally, evidence related to protected speech under the First Amendment of the U.S. and Georgia State Constitution was to be excluded. Furthermore, video evidence related to charge 2021-017, where the claim that Peterson was a judge was made by a third party and not Peterson herself, was also sought to be precluded.
Additionally, through her appointed legal representative, Peterson submitted a motion to eliminate any statements made by Jacqueline Caldwell or Bonnie Fasick that are not exculpatory. According to the probate judge, these statements were obtained by JQC agents without the presence of Peterson’s legal counsel during the statement-taking process. Peterson argued that denying her attorney the right to be present during the collection of statements from Ms. Caldwell or Ms. Fasick constitutes a violation of the procedural and evidentiary rules governing the JQC proceedings in her case.
Furthermore, in retrospect, despite the statements having violated JQC rules and, therefore, not being utilized against Peterson, the same had requested that the statements be furnished to her and her legal representatives for utilization during the hearing and to assist in her defense, specifically if these statements had the potential to exonerate her from any of the charges levied against her.
Judge Christina Peterson earned a law degree from the Wisconsin School of Law in 2023. The Judge’s Courtroom is at 8700 Hospital Drive 3rd Floor, Judicial Side in Douglasville, and can be reached at 770-920-7249. Her info can be found on celebratedouglascounty.com.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
