Douglas County Judge Christina Peterson was arrested at 3:18 a.m. for allegedly pushing an Atlanta officer outside Red Martini Restaurant, all while claiming to defend a woman in distress.

Judge Christina Peterson's late-night adventure at the Red Martini Restaurant took a turn for the theatrical when her self-proclaimed attempt to rescue a woman in distress resulted in a dramatic police encounter, complete with shoving, cursing, and a refusal to show ID. With an arrest for simple battery and obstruction, plus a sprinkle of pre-existing 'systemic incompetence,' Peterson's career seems to be taking cues from a soap opera—just without the commercial breaks.

It was around 3:18 a.m. when the peaceful hum of Atlanta nightlife was ruptured by a commotion outside the Red Martini Restaurant and Lounge. An off-duty officer, moonlighting as security at the establishment, was drawn to the disruption like a moth to a very loud, very chaotic flame.

Judge Christina Peterson was not content with simply enjoying her night out. According to reports, she allegedly began by screaming at a security guard and the officer who approached to investigate. What happened next would make any action movie director proud: Peterson reportedly pushed the officer in the chest twice and swiped his hands away, demonstrating a physical assertiveness that, unfortunately, was not reciprocated by the laws of state civility.

Once taken into custody, Peterson stubbornly refused to identify herself, perhaps hoping the officers had a knack for solving mysteries.

The arresting officers charged Peterson with simple battery against a police officer and obstruction of law enforcement. To add some spice to the story, Peterson's lawyer, Marvin Arrington Jr., claimed she was defending a damsel in distress, identified as Alexandria Love. The woman supported this by stating during a press conference that Peterson was the only one who intervened when an unknown man punched her in the face.

Peterson's behavior wasn't limited to the alleged shoves and screams. Once in the confines of the police car, she continued to showcase her eclectic vocabulary, which, according to the bodycam footage from the Atlanta Police Department, was a colorful barrage of expletives. If there were awards for post-arrest performances, Peterson might have been a strong contender.

Following the arrest, Peterson was taken to the Fulton County Jail for processing. This might sound like a standard procedure to most, but for a judge with a judicial track record under intense scrutiny, it seems like another line on her already tumultuous CV. Earlier in April, a Judicial Qualifications Commission panel had found her guilty of 'systemic incompetence' and recommended her removal from office.

Charges and jail wagons aside, Peterson's courtroom may soon convene without her as a fixture. Whether she continues to defend those in distress or finds herself seated at her own defense table, it’s clear that Judge Christina Peterson is a character whose chapters are far from over. One thing is certain: if jurisprudence were a spectator sport, her fan club would be on the edge of their seats, popcorn in hand.