Mike Davis and the Article III Project have taken a significant step in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Tina Peters, a former Mesa County Clerk in Colorado. Davis filed a federal civil rights criminal referral with Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon on the same day Peters was released from prison. This referral targets Colorado officials implicated in jailing Peters based on her outspoken views on election integrity, which she argues fall under First Amendment protections.
A long and contentious journey led to Peters’ incarceration. She was indicted in March 2022 by Colorado District Attorney Dan Rubinstein and Attorney General Phil Weiser, with backing from Secretary of State Jena Griswold. These officials accused her of election interference, a charge many saw as excessive. Ultimately, in October 2024, Peters received a nearly nine-year prison sentence—one that far exceeded penalties typically issued for more serious federal offenses. Peters, who had no prior criminal record and whose actions did not affect any votes, became a polarizing figure in the debate over election integrity.
The Colorado Court of Appeals later found substantial grounds to question the original sentencing, indicating concerns that Judge Matthew D. Barrett penalized Peters for her free speech. Following these developments, Colorado Governor Jared Polis commuted her sentence, recognizing the troubling implications for free speech rights. Notably, he even expressed that Peters’ punishment was disproportionate, highlighting the ongoing dispute over her case.
Despite these developments, the state officials involved—Weiser, Rubinstein, and Griswold—have remained steadfast in their condemnation of the commutation. Griswold even wrote an op-ed arguing that Peters should have served her full sentence, demonstrating the divisive opinions on the matter.
Davis’s referral leans heavily on federal statutes addressing conspiracy and deprivation of rights, emphasizing that only a thorough criminal investigation can provide the accountability Peters deserves. He articulated his concerns in clear terms, stating, “Colorado government officials illegally conspired to severely, unconstitutionally, and criminally punish Tina Peters.” He called for scrutiny of not just the judges but all officials who contributed to the situation, underscoring that civil immunity does not exempt them from criminal responsibility.
The Article III Project, which Davis leads, has developed a reputation for aggressive legal advocacy, particularly focused on upholding judicial independence against perceived radical threats. Davis’s background suggests a strong commitment to challenging what he views as unlawful actions by government officials.
In summary, the referral filed by the Article III Project represents a critical moment in the broader conversation about freedom of speech and the legal system’s handling of election-related issues. Davis is drawing attention to what he considers a dangerous precedent set by Colorado officials in their dealings with Peters. The outcome of any federal investigation could have lasting implications not only for Peters but for broader First Amendment rights within the context of political dissent.
"*" indicates required fields
