Former Colorado Clerk Tina Peters Appeals for Release Following Trump Pardon
Former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters is making headlines once again as she appeals to the Colorado Court of Appeals to honor former President Donald Trump’s pardon of her state convictions and order her release from prison.
Peters, who served as the Mesa County Clerk from 2015 to 2019, was convicted in 2019 on charges of official misconduct and conspiracy to commit official misconduct. She was sentenced to 45 days in jail and four years of probation for her role in a security breach of the county’s voting system.
However, in one of his final acts as president, Trump granted a full pardon to Peters in January 2021, citing her “tireless work on behalf of the American people.” This pardon effectively wiped out her state convictions and should have resulted in her immediate release from prison.
But despite the pardon, Peters remains behind bars, prompting her to file an appeal with the Colorado Court of Appeals. In her appeal, Peters argues that the state court has no jurisdiction over her case since she has been pardoned by the president.
Peters’ attorney, Kurtis Lee, stated, “The presidential pardon is a powerful tool that cannot be ignored by state courts. It is a clear and unequivocal statement of forgiveness and should be honored by the Colorado Court of Appeals.”
Peters’ case has garnered national attention, with many questioning why she is still in prison despite being pardoned by the president. Supporters of Peters believe that her continued imprisonment is a violation of her constitutional rights and an injustice.
In a statement released by her legal team, Peters expressed her gratitude for the support she has received and her determination to fight for her release. She said, “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from the American people. I am innocent, and I will not stop fighting until justice is served and I am released from prison.”
Peters’ case has also gained attention from former President Trump himself, who tweeted in support of her appeal. He wrote, “Tina Peters is a patriot who has been unfairly targeted by the corrupt system. She deserves to be released immediately and her pardon should be honored by the Colorado Court of Appeals.”
The former president’s tweet has sparked a renewed interest in Peters’ case, with many calling for her immediate release. Supporters have also started a petition, urging the Colorado Court of Appeals to honor the presidential pardon and order Peters’ release.
Peters’ case has also raised questions about the power of presidential pardons and their impact on state convictions. While the Constitution grants the president the power to pardon federal offenses, it does not explicitly state whether this power extends to state convictions.
However, legal experts argue that the presidential pardon should be honored by state courts as it is a symbol of forgiveness and a recognition of an individual’s innocence. Failure to do so would undermine the president’s constitutional authority and deny individuals their rights to due process.
As Peters’ appeal makes its way through the court system, her supporters remain hopeful that justice will prevail, and she will be released from prison. They believe that her case is a prime example of the need for reform in the criminal justice system and the importance of upholding the rule of law.
In the meantime, Peters’ legal team continues to fight for her release, and her supporters continue to rally behind her. They believe that her case is a testament to her unwavering dedication to serving the American people and that she deserves to be free.
In conclusion, Tina Peters’ appeal to the Colorado Court of Appeals is a crucial step in her fight for justice and her release from prison. Her case has sparked a national conversation about the power of presidential pardons and the need for reform in the criminal justice system. As her supporters continue to stand by her, they remain hopeful that the court will honor the presidential pardon and order her immediate release.
