A Colorado appeals court overturned the prison sentence of Tina Peters, the most prominent election denier still imprisoned for 2020 election crimes, but did not free her immediately. The 3-0 ruling nullified her nine-year term for tampering with voting machines, sending the case back for resentencing. The court found the trial judge violated her free-speech rights by labeling her a 'charlatan' and 'snake-oil saleswoman' for promoting false election fraud claims. However, the judges rejected President Trump's attempt to pardon her for state offenses, stating no president has ever pardoned someone for a state crime.

This ruling intensifies the legal battle around Peters, 70, while Colorado's Democratic governor, Jared Polis, has signaled he might commute her sentence despite fierce opposition from state Democrats. Polis has cited her advanced age and compared her sentence to a lighter one given to a Democratic former state senator convicted of similar charges. The Trump administration has retaliated against Colorado with funding cuts, relocations, and project cancellations, though it hasn't linked these actions directly to Peters' case.

Peters' lawyer plans to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, while Attorney General Phil Weiser emphasized her conviction as a felon who violated her duties and threatened democracy. Secretary of State Jena Griswold stressed she must face accountability for coordinating a breach of election equipment. The governor's office indicated no action on her sentence until the appeals ruling was final.