Supporters are now asking for a review through Arizona’s clemency process.
Current Focus:
Arizona Clemency Review (Expected Eligibility: February 2027)
"I agree with the argument that Paul Petersen has paid enough for his mistakes, and that he was treated far differently than others doing the exact same thing. State and federal agencies were involved in these adoptions. Think about that for a moment."
— Tyler Montague, Arizona political strategist and public policy advocate
This perspective raises an important question: Was the outcome fair and consistent with how similar cases have been handled?
Paul Petersen has been incarcerated for over five years.
After:
He remains in custody in Arizona due to a consecutive state sentence.
For many, that raises a simple question: why?
The question isn’t whether Paul should face consequences.
It’s whether those consequences have already been met.
Years of legal defense, restitution, and ongoing incarceration have created a significant financial burden – not just for Paul, but for those supporting him.
At the same time, continued incarceration comes at a cost to taxpayers as well.
Understanding this impact helps explain why continued support is needed moving forward.
David and Patti Petersen are asking friends, family members, community leaders, public officials, and others who support Paul to help raise awareness and demonstrate the support surrounding him.
Review the “How You Can Help” presentation to learn more about the current effort and share it with others who may be willing to support Paul and his family.
Help demonstrate the real people standing behind Paul by sharing your own message of support.
You may submit a short video, audio recording, photo and statement, written testimonial, or longer personal story. Your submission does not need to be professionally produced.
With your permission, selected messages may be shared through the website and future campaign outreach.
Donations help support the continuing legal, advocacy, awareness, and outreach work associated with this effort.
Whether you share the information, contribute your voice, make a donation, or help connect the family with others who may be interested, every form of support is sincerely appreciated.
For more than two decades, Paul worked in adoption, helping families navigate a complex legal process. Many families remain connected to his work and have shared their experiences and gratitude.
This section highlights the broader context of his adoption practice and the families who chose to share their stories.
Stay informed with recent updates, background information, and thoughtful perspectives related to Paul’s case and the clemency process.