We know this can get complicated! So below are some simply worded answers to some of the most frequently asked questions (plus a few assertions) we have encountered while making the case that Mike Shirley deserves a full pardon. This is a "living document" and will be updated as Mike's situation unfolds. If you have any questions please drop us a line.
How long is Mike in prison for? Seven years and three months in federal prison if nothing is done to intervene. This, plus over half-a-million dollars in "restitution" is an overly harsh sentence that does not fit the crimes he was accused of. Plus, we believe Mike did nothing illegal or wrong, and that the facts will prove his innocence.
Mike was found guilty by a jury. Shouldn't that be reason enough that he should stay in prison? Absolutely not, and we urge anyone who feels this way to think objectively as possible and read through the articles at FreeMikeShirley.net and this FAQ page. It's clear the goalposts were moved during trial, the jury rules were changed, a juror was replaced at the last minute, the prosecution's star witness would only plead the Fifth, and Biden Administration prosecutors were overly eager to score another prosecution. It should have been a mistrial.
What did federal prosecutors accuse Mike of having done wrong? That depends. Their first theory during the trial was bribery -- a shaky theory which fell apart during trial. Prosecutors shifted to another theory: that Mike had somehow committed "honest services fraud" -- a false claim that Mike was a public official who charged too much for services. This second theory came even after the federal Supreme Court in 2023 issued a ruling stating clearly that non-public officials cannot be charged with such a (vague) crime.
Did Mike really charge too much as a contractor for the Seminole County Tax Assessor's office? No, and the judge over Mike's trial even quipped "Sounds like capitalism to me." Mike's firm charged less than the DOJ's own cap on contractor fees, and for numerous PR-related services provided. His company even charged market-rates. See our financial analysis here.
I saw how much Mike's firm was charging and I still believe that was too much. While we respect your right to an opinion, we would ask 1) why there is no cap on contractor fees in Florida state law, 2) why this was not tried at the state or local level, and 3) why seven years in prison should be the punishment when Mike has no criminal record whatsoever? Furthermore, please demonstrate where an actual law was broken. Remember: we have courts of law, not courts of personal opinion.
Is Mike going to appeal? He has, and oral arguments were heard on Nov. 6, 2025, which is a great sign that the court is taking a very close look at the situation. We're awaiting a decision from the appeals court, though it is uncertain how long that will take.
How close are we to a presidential pardon? That depends on who you talk to, of course, but we are excited about progresss being made. We know that a short presentation was made about Mike at a DOJ staff meeting following Pam Bondi's appointment. All the proper federal clemency paperwork has been filed. Free Mike Shirley supporters are continually contacting federal officials regarding the circumstances of Mike's trial and imprisonment. While it is ultimately up to the White House and DJT, all of the factors are in line for a pardon or a commutation of his sentence. We just have to keep it a hot issue!
What about probation? So far no news on that front, but it may be that we will have to wait until after the appeal for this to move forward.
Was Mike pressured into lying about Trump and "Russiagate" in exchange for leniency? Yes, according to Mike; He was told that other persons being prosecuted were given softer sentences in exchange for naming names or implicating President Donald J. Trump in election fraud. Mike said he refused to play along, which is why his sentence is so long. While a more formal plea bargain was not presented by prosecutors, Mike said it was made abundantly clear to him that he was expected to implicate Trump and Republican allies such as former Congressman Matt Gaetz and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. Mike is an American hero for refusing to further such lies!
Why not just serve the time? Any amount of time served on false charges is an affront to justice in this country, as well as a growing threat to everyday citizens who care about their country. But in terms of the price Mike has paid, he has parents who require medical attention and many bills to pay. In the time he has been in federal prison, he has had to close his business and sell or pay to store many personal posessions. His dog even died after a prolonged illness. Fortunately, he is not married and has no children. But every day that passes is another day without family, friends, and saving for his future. We will not accept that Mike should just take it on the chin as an "example" or as a "martyr for liberty." This is a fight worth having.
Let's face it: We can't convince Donald Trump to sign a pardon. This is all very final, and Mike's not getting out of jail anytime soon, so why keep fighting? We appreciate your trust in the process and practical mindset. But like we mentioned above, this goes much further than simply getting Mike out of federal prison. This is about exposing lawfare, radical Left tactics, and what happens when we elect incompetent leaders such as Joe Biden. Win or lose, we will keep Mike's situation hot! Justice for all depends on it.
What are the odds of freeing Mike? At the very beginning we thought the odds did not favor a pardon or early release. But then came the J6 pardons. Then the pro-life pardons. And a sprinkling of numerous other pardons over Trump's first year back in office. Even Tina Peters' state imprisonment has captured DJT's attention! We're convinced that Mike is an American hero for refusing to cower to pressure by a corrupt regime, and that Team Trump has every reason to add him to the growing list of pardons and commutations! It's just a matter of time.
Who do I write? We recommend contacting your Congressman to ask them to send a letter to President Trump asking for Mike's release. If you need help finding your Representative let us know. Here's a sample letter you can follow, though feel free to write your own custom letter (but please refer to this site for the facts!).
How do we get the media interested? They already are, though we have a long way to go before being national headline news. The mainstream media devoted much coverage to Mike's trial, and numerous conservative outlets have covered his fight for freedom. Hundreds of newspapers, TV stations, radio shows, blogs, and other outlets have devoted space to our quest. Keep track here. Please feel free to call your local media and let them know Mike deserves freedom.
How can I help? We would love to hear what talents, personal connections, and professional credentials you have that can help us get to the next level. Drop us a line and let's talk!
How can I donate, and will money even help? Yes, any amount will help tremendously! We need everything from stamps and stationery, to targeted social media advertisements. and even a little compensation for our team -- some of whom are taking time away from work to help and living on a thin line as a result. We're squeezing every penny and treating this as a volunteer-run team. It may be that we will need transportation and lodging in the near future. You can give through reputable cloud-funding service GiveSendGo here: https://www.givesendgo.com/freemikeshirley