Charges against 15 defendants in Michigan were dismissed on Tuesday after a judge determined they did not act unlawfully by signing papers falsifying their status as electors.

District Court Judge Kristen D. Simmons said the individuals indicted “believe they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress” after attempting to overturn former President Biden’s 2020 election win. 

“The prosecution would like the court to believe that these named defendants were savvy or sophisticated enough to understand fully the electoral process, which the court does disagree because the document that was presented doesn't even align with the level of sophistication that they want me to believe," Simmons said before the order, as reported by NBC News.

"This alternate document doesn't state it's an official document of the state of Michigan," the judge, appointed by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D), added, noting the defendants did not attempt to falsify the governor's signature or create a fake seal.

However, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) said the defendants deserve to be held responsible for their actions.

“The evidence was clear: They lied. They knew they lied, and they tried to steal the votes of millions of Michiganders," Nessel said while leaving the courthouse, according to Michigan Advance. "And if they can get away with this, well, what can they get away with next?" 

Simmons said she believes prosecutors failed to “prove intent” and lacked evidence to showcase clear understanding by the defendants, who were charged of fraud instead of election interference, of how the electoral system worked. 

The case delivers a small victory for President Trump, who falsely declared the 2020 election was stolen by Democrats.

His supporters gathered across the country, with some signing documents stating they were presidential electors in an attempt to block Biden from entering office by forcing Congress to certify Trump as the winner or temporarily withholding certification pending further investigation. 

Those frustrated with the decision to proceed on Biden's confirmation as president then stormed the U.S. Capitol in protest on Jan. 6, 2021.