Colorado Court Overturns Tina Peters' Sentence, Orders Resentencing
Key Takeaways
- The appeals court overturned Peters's nine-year sentence and ordered resentencing.
- Conviction for election security breach remains upheld; only sentencing is reconsidered.
- Ruling cited improper consideration of free speech in sentencing, prompting a new hearing.
Sentence Overturned
The Colorado Court of Appeals overturned Peters' nine-year sentence while upholding her conviction.
“Court overturns prison sentence of Colorado 2020 election denier Tina Peters Her case will be sent to a lower court for a judge to issue a new sentence”
The court ruled that the lower court improperly considered her election fraud beliefs when sentencing her.
They emphasized her offense was her deceitful actions, not her beliefs.
This comes after Trump issued a federal pardon that the court ruled does not apply to state charges.
Free Speech at Center
Judge Barrett called Peters a charlatan who peddled snake oil.
The appeals court said the sentence was partly to stop her from espousing damaging views.
They noted Peters is no longer in office.
The case has become a cause celebre for election denial movements.
Political Pressure and Reactions
Trump's fixation on freeing Peters has involved a pressure campaign against Colorado.
AG Weiser accused the Trump administration of a revenge campaign.
Peters was unapologetic when sentenced.
The ruling sets up a politically charged resentencing.
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