September 9, 2025
Michigan judge dismisses charges against 15 accused 2020 'fake electors'
Decision follows federal court ruling on Electoral Count Act jurisdiction
🤝Civic Action🗳️Elections⚖️Justice
Ingham County District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons dismissed felony charges against 15 Michigan Republicans on Sept. 9, 2025, ruling prosecutors had not proved criminal intent when the defendants signed alternate electoral certificates at a Dec. 14, 2020 meeting. The judge said witnesses, including a cooperating witness whose charges were dropped, testified the group relied on legal advice and believed they were pursuing a lawful remedy.
Attorney General Dana Nessel called the decision "very wrong" and said her office is evaluating an appeal. The ruling joins other procedural setbacks in Arizona, Nevada and Georgia, though those states still have pending or appealable proceedings.
Judge Kristen D. Simmons of Ingham County District Court dismissed charges against 15 defendants on Sept. 9, 2025, saying the state failed to prove criminal intent.
The defendants met on Dec. 14, 2020, at the Michigan Republican Party headquarters and signed alternate certificates claiming to be Michigan's electors.
One originally indicted participant, James Renner, had charges dropped in Oct. 2023 after a cooperation deal and testified for prosecutors.
The indictments included eight counts per defendant, with forgery counts carrying up to 14 years in prison and certain election-law counts carrying lower maximum sentences.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel called the dismissal "very wrong" and said her office is "evaluating" an appeal.
Related cases in Arizona, Nevada and Georgia have faced separate procedural setbacks, but each state still has active or potentially refileable proceedings.
🤝Civic Action🗳️Elections⚖️Justice
People, bills, and sources
Kristen D. Simmons
Ingham County District Court judge
Dana Nessel
Michigan Attorney General
Meshawn Maddock
Former Michigan GOP chair and defendant
Kathy Berden
Former RNC member and defendant
James Renner
Cooperating witness
What You Can Do
1
civic action
Monitor appeals and filings
Track whether the Michigan Attorney General files an appeal within the state appellate timetable and whether the dismissal is stayed.
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2
understanding
Track parallel state cases
Follow filings in Arizona, Nevada, Georgia and Wisconsin to see whether courts require new indictments, grand-jury votes or appellate review.
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3
practicing
Request public records
Request court dockets and AG filings for the Michigan case to read the judge's written decision and any notice of appeal.
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