On September 25, a federal judge confirmed Julie Chrisley’s prison sentence during her resentencing hearing, declining to impose a reduction despite previous appeals.
Julie and her husband, Todd Chrisley, were convicted in 2022 on multiple charges, including wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Todd received a 12-year sentence, while Julie was initially sentenced to seven years. However, in June 2024, the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found that the original sentencing judge had miscalculated Julie’s term, citing “insufficient evidence” of her involvement in a bank fraud scheme dating back to 2006. This led to the order for resentencing.
At the Atlanta hearing, Julie addressed the court, expressing remorse for her actions and the impact on her family. “I apologize for my actions and what led me to where I am today,” she stated. “I cannot ever repay my children for what they have had to go through, and for that, I am sorry.”
Despite the appeals court’s findings, the judge upheld Julie’s original sentence of 84 months (seven years) in prison, along with five years of supervised release.
Ahead of the hearing, Savannah Chrisley took to Instagram to ask for prayers for her mother and family. “Tomorrow, September 25th, is my mom’s resentencing date. All I ask of y’all is just to pray,” she wrote, emphasizing the hope that her mother could return home to those who love her.
In a recent episode of her podcast “Unlocked,” Savannah referred to her mother’s resentencing as “a really big deal,” expressing optimism that Julie could be home by Thanksgiving. “Hopefully, she comes home. If she comes home, oh, my gosh, life will be so much better,” she shared.
Since beginning their sentences in January 2023, Todd and Julie Chrisley have been incarcerated in separate states. In September 2023, the Federal Bureau of Prisons announced reductions in their sentences, granting Todd a two-year cut and Julie a 14-month reduction. As of September 25, 2024, Julie is scheduled for release on April 22, 2028.
The legal troubles for the “Chrisley Knows Best” stars began in 2017 when Todd was investigated for years of unpaid state income tax. This culminated in a 2019 federal indictment involving 12 counts of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, and conspiracy to defraud the United States. After resolving their tax evasion charge by paying $147,944.75, the couple faced the more serious federal charges that ultimately led to their convictions in June 2022.
The Chrisleys’ journey through the legal system has captured significant public attention, not just for the serious nature of their crimes, but also for their portrayal as a seemingly glamorous family on reality television. Their fall from grace has sparked discussions around the responsibilities of public figures and the implications of financial mismanagement. As they navigate the aftermath of their convictions, both Todd and Julie have emphasized their commitment to self-reflection and personal growth during their time in prison.
Support from their family, particularly Savannah, underscores the emotional toll this situation has taken on their loved ones, highlighting the intersection of fame, family, and accountability in the face of legal repercussions. While the Chrisleys have become emblematic of the potential pitfalls of celebrity culture, their story also serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences that arise from unethical financial practices.
