Julie Chrisley resentenced to 7 years in jail, judge says she won't get 'pass' just because she's a mom
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: Julie Chrisley — former reality TV star of Chrisley Knows Best — was probably hoping for some leniency in the courtroom, but the judge handling her resentencing had a different plan.
On Wednesday, September 25, the Northern District of Georgia judge made it clear that Julie’s original punishment would stand—no lighter sentence for the mom of three. The court reaffirmed the 84-month (seven-year) prison sentence, saying the punishment was fitting for her role in the tax evasion and fraud case.
Julie Chrisley's family’s plea falls short
Julie Chrisley wasn’t just hoping for a second chance for herself, but she had her family backing her up in court trying to tug at the judge’s heartstrings. According to reports, the judge had received several letters, including from Julie’s daughter Savannah Chrisley and other family members, as well as from Grayson and Chloe’s licensed therapist.
The Chrisleys were clearly banking on the fact that the judge would consider the impact on the children. The judge acknowledged this, mentioning that many cases involve people with young kids at home. But she also pointed out that the Chrisleys had the resources to provide for their children in ways that many families couldn’t — including access to therapy.
The judge didn’t mince words when addressing Julie. “I am concerned about the children, but [with] all due respect, you don’t get a pass from criminal conduct because you’re a parent,” she firmly said.
The judge declared that Julie’s sentence would remain unchanged. Not only that, but a request from Julie’s attorney to allow her to self-report to jail after a brief 24-hour furlough was also shot down. It was a day of hard knocks for the reality star.
Julie Chrisley makes tearful apology
Before the judge handed down her ruling, Julie Chrisley took a moment to address the court—and her family—through tears. Sporting brown hair and looking almost unrecognizable, she apologized for her actions.
"I would like to say I’ve had years to think about what I’ve wanted to say and I’m sorry for my actions and situations that led us to where we are today," Julie told the court. "I’ve had 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today,"
"I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family. I’ve taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways … this has been the most difficult part of my life. I can’t ever repay my children for what they’ve had to go through and for that, I am so sorry," she added.
Julie Chrisley’s journey through the courts has been long and painful, with her November 2022 sentencing marking a major downfall for the Chrisley family. She was sentenced to seven years, while her husband Todd Chrisley received a heftier 12-year sentence for their involvement in fraud and tax evasion.
Although they began their appeals process in December 2022, both Julie and Todd reported to prison by January 2023 — with their hopeful legal maneuvering doing little to delay their prison terms.
Julie Chrisley's family will continue to fight
In April this year, Julie Chrisley's appeal finally seemed to gain traction when a judge vacated her original seven-year sentence in June due to insufficient evidence. However, Todd wasn’t as lucky—his appeal was denied and his 12-year sentence stood firm.
Their attorney Alex Little, however, made it clear the family isn’t backing down. "We're pleased that the Court agreed that Julie's sentence was improper, but we’re obviously disappointed that it rejected Todd’s appeal," Little told People.
"With this step behind us, we can now challenge the couple's convictions based on the illegal search that started the case," Little added. "The family appreciates the continued support they've received throughout this process. And they're hopeful for more good news in the future."
