Free Paul Petersen: A Call for Justice in Arizona

Recent signers:
William Fife and 13 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Please read the article below for a brief explanation of Paul's unjust journey.

https://arizonasuntimes.com/news/conservative-former-maricopa-county-assessor-develops-stage-3b-kidney-disease-in-prison-after-lawfare/ralexander/2025/08/04/

Paul Petersen, our beloved son and brother, has been courageously enduring a harsh reality behind prison bars for the past four and one years, deprived of his family's warmth and love. Paul has bravely completed his federal sentence and, tragically, now faces an even more daunting challenge — a diagnosis of Stage 3b kidney disease. He is currently on a catheter.

Prison healthcare is notoriously poor and ill-equipped to provide the level of care necessary for someone in Paul's critical condition. Receiving the best medical attention is a matter of life and death, making the case for his release not just a legal issue, but a moral imperative.

Paul has shown accountability by fully paying the nearly $780,000 fine associated with his case, despite the fact that there were no victims. It is unjust to keep him away from his children for even one more day, robbing them of a father when they need him most.

Furthermore, Arizona taxpayers are facing an unnecessary financial burden, supporting the continued incarceration of a man who poses no threat, whose debt is paid, and who has contributed positively to society.

This calls into question the integrity and fairness of our judicial system. Every day that Paul remains imprisoned is another day of cruel and unnecessary punishment, not just for Paul, but for his innocent children and his extended family who yearn for his presence.

Arizona elected officials must examine Paul's case with fresh eyes and a compassionate heart. Justice should never be about punishment for punishment's sake, but about fair treatment and equitable protection under the law.

I am a lifelong Mesa, Arizona resident. Arizona's prison sentences require All prisoners regardless of their crime to serve 85% or their sentence. No exceptions. This draconian practice has been proven to be so non effective in many areas that only Arizona and Missouri still have this in place. Other states have proven that without any incentives for a prisoner to improve their lives and get home to their family's prisoners become more likely to reoffend , not less. A nonviolent, no victims 1st time offender doesn't need to serve years in prison costing taxpayers millions and millions ever year. Change the worse law in the nation to mirror the First Step Act passed with bipartisan support in 2020.

Click here to donate by PayPal (does not require a PayPal account, can check out as a guest and use a debit/credit card)  

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/U3WF79WEKQBEW 

Or you can mail your check made payable to Paul Petersen Legal Expense Trust (address is 623 N Miller Street, Mesa, AZ 85203)

avatar of the starter
David PetersenPetition StarterI am a lifelong Mesa, Arizona resident. Recent life experiences has shocked us about the abuses in the AZ Criminal Justice System. Arizona"s Civil Asset Forfeiture practices are among the worst in the entire Nation. Lets stop this abuse!

20

Recent signers:
William Fife and 13 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Please read the article below for a brief explanation of Paul's unjust journey.

https://arizonasuntimes.com/news/conservative-former-maricopa-county-assessor-develops-stage-3b-kidney-disease-in-prison-after-lawfare/ralexander/2025/08/04/

Paul Petersen, our beloved son and brother, has been courageously enduring a harsh reality behind prison bars for the past four and one years, deprived of his family's warmth and love. Paul has bravely completed his federal sentence and, tragically, now faces an even more daunting challenge — a diagnosis of Stage 3b kidney disease. He is currently on a catheter.

Prison healthcare is notoriously poor and ill-equipped to provide the level of care necessary for someone in Paul's critical condition. Receiving the best medical attention is a matter of life and death, making the case for his release not just a legal issue, but a moral imperative.

Paul has shown accountability by fully paying the nearly $780,000 fine associated with his case, despite the fact that there were no victims. It is unjust to keep him away from his children for even one more day, robbing them of a father when they need him most.

Furthermore, Arizona taxpayers are facing an unnecessary financial burden, supporting the continued incarceration of a man who poses no threat, whose debt is paid, and who has contributed positively to society.

This calls into question the integrity and fairness of our judicial system. Every day that Paul remains imprisoned is another day of cruel and unnecessary punishment, not just for Paul, but for his innocent children and his extended family who yearn for his presence.

Arizona elected officials must examine Paul's case with fresh eyes and a compassionate heart. Justice should never be about punishment for punishment's sake, but about fair treatment and equitable protection under the law.

I am a lifelong Mesa, Arizona resident. Arizona's prison sentences require All prisoners regardless of their crime to serve 85% or their sentence. No exceptions. This draconian practice has been proven to be so non effective in many areas that only Arizona and Missouri still have this in place. Other states have proven that without any incentives for a prisoner to improve their lives and get home to their family's prisoners become more likely to reoffend , not less. A nonviolent, no victims 1st time offender doesn't need to serve years in prison costing taxpayers millions and millions ever year. Change the worse law in the nation to mirror the First Step Act passed with bipartisan support in 2020.

Click here to donate by PayPal (does not require a PayPal account, can check out as a guest and use a debit/credit card)  

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/U3WF79WEKQBEW 

Or you can mail your check made payable to Paul Petersen Legal Expense Trust (address is 623 N Miller Street, Mesa, AZ 85203)

avatar of the starter
David PetersenPetition StarterI am a lifelong Mesa, Arizona resident. Recent life experiences has shocked us about the abuses in the AZ Criminal Justice System. Arizona"s Civil Asset Forfeiture practices are among the worst in the entire Nation. Lets stop this abuse!

The Decision Makers

Katie Hobbs
Arizona Governor

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Petition created on July 29, 2025