Newly released police body-camera footage is drawing renewed scrutiny over how law enforcement handled the DUI arrest of DeSoto County Justice Court Judge Karen Sanders, particularly as she has already resumed presiding over criminal cases—including DUI matters—less than two weeks after her arrest.
The video, released by Hernando, Mississippi, police and obtained by multiple outlets, captures a Dec. 6 traffic stop involving Sanders but omits several key moments that followed.
The recording spans roughly 12 minutes and documents officers’ initial interactions at the scene.
It does not include footage of Sanders being placed under arrest, transported to jail or booked. Authorities later confirmed she was processed and released from custody in just 33 minutes.
According to officers, Sanders was stopped after pulling out of a driveway on West Valley Street and driving into the grass.
Body-camera footage shows officers approaching a white Escalade driven by Sanders, with another woman seated in the passenger seat.
During the encounter, officers observed Sanders placing the vehicle in reverse instead of park and leaving it that way until instructed to correct it, WREG reports.
As the stop continued, officers realized the identity of the driver—a moment clearly captured on camera.
“That’s her. She’s the judge? Oh shoot,” one officer is heard saying.
Shortly afterward, another officer asks, “Is it pointless to test her?”
The remarks have drawn attention as officers repeatedly reminded one another to remain professional while continuing the investigation.
When questioned about alcohol consumption, Sanders twice responded, “No ma’am.” During a later exchange with another officer, she acknowledged having had a drink earlier in the day.
Sanders agreed to take a preliminary breath test, responding, “Absolutely!”
The footage shows the test being administered, though the numerical results are not visible. Afterward, the officer conducting the test is seen shaking his head. Officers also noted that Sanders’ eyes appeared “glassy.”
The video ends shortly after Sanders is asked to step out of the vehicle to perform a field sobriety test.
The sobriety test itself, along with Sanders’ arrest and booking, is not shown in the body-camera footage released to the public. Authorities confirmed that later stages of the arrest were not included in the video provided, according to LifeZette.
Court records indicate Sanders was charged with driving under the influence and careless driving.
Her municipal court date is scheduled for April 1, 2026, in Hernando.
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Sanders was released on her own recognizance by a Hernando City judge the night of her arrest.
Despite the pending charges, Sanders returned to the bench nine days later and resumed presiding over cases in DeSoto County Justice Court.
The DeSoto County Justice Center confirmed she will continue hearing cases while her own legal matter proceeds. Action News 5 reported that its request to bring a camera into Sanders’ courtroom was denied.
Defendants appearing before Sanders expressed mixed reactions.
“I was shocked because now, she kind of knows how it feels a little bit,” said Emily Moretta.
Others questioned whether Sanders would be held to the same standard as ordinary citizens.
“I don’t think anything will get done punishment-wise [to Judge Sanders] like it would towards a regular citizen,” said Bryttanie Burris.
WREG reported that Sanders’ docket consists primarily of misdemeanor cases, including disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, possession charges and at least a dozen DUI cases.
Several defendants said many of those cases were reset for February, as questions continue over whether a judge facing DUI charges should preside over similar cases before her own matter is resolved.
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