Legal Battle Intensifies Over Tina Peters’ Release Following Trump Pardon
DENVER, Colo. — A legal confrontation is unfolding in Colorado as attorneys for former county clerk Tina Peters seek her release from prison, invoking a recent pardon issued by former President Donald Trump. Peters, who was convicted in October 2024 on charges including official misconduct and conspiracy related to election security, remains incarcerated despite the federal pardon granted earlier this month.
The motion filed on December 23 urges a Colorado appellate court to recognize Trump’s pardon, arguing that it extends beyond federal offenses to cover state convictions tied to Peters’ efforts concerning election integrity. “There is no question that the Pardon forgave federal offenses,” the motion states, “However, the Pardon also forgave Colorado state court convictions for actions Clerk Peters ‘may have committed or taken part in related to election integrity and security’ during the applicable time period.”
Peters’ case has drawn national attention due to her role in allowing unauthorized access to voting equipment amid claims that the 2020 presidential election was stolen from Trump. The Colorado court sentenced her to nine years in prison, a decision that has been met with resistance from Trump and his supporters.
In a statement posted on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump described Peters as “a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest.” He criticized Democratic officials for prosecuting those advocating for “Safe and Secure Elections,” asserting that Peters was targeted unfairly. “Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election!” Trump declared.
Colorado officials, however, maintain that the federal pardon does not have jurisdiction over state court convictions. The state’s position underscores the complex legal interplay between federal executive clemency powers and state judicial authority. Legal experts note that while the President’s pardon power is broad, it traditionally applies only to federal offenses, not state crimes.
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the 2020 election and its aftermath. Peters, a Republican law clerk, became a prominent figure among election integrity advocates after her conviction. Her legal team’s motion emphasizes the pardon’s scope and seeks immediate release, while Colorado courts deliberate on the matter.
This case follows a series of pardons issued by Trump in December 2025 to allies involved in election-related controversies, including Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell. The pardons have sparked debate about the limits of presidential clemency and its impact on state prosecutions.
Observers are closely watching the appellate court’s response, which could set important precedents regarding the reach of federal pardons. The Colorado Department of Corrections continues to hold Peters in custody as the legal process unfolds.
For more information on presidential pardons and their legal framework, see the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Pardon Attorney. Details on state versus federal jurisdiction in criminal cases can be found through the United States Courts website. The Colorado Department of Corrections provides updates on inmate custody and legal proceedings. Coverage of election-related legal controversies is available through the Federal Election Commission.
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