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{{Infobox Person
| name = Julie Chrisley
| image =
| birth_date = January 9, 1973
| birth_place = South Carolina, United States
|charges = Conspiracy to commit bank fraud, Bank fraud, Wire fraud, Tax fraud conspiracy, Obstruction of justice
| sentence = 7 years in federal prison; Pardoned May 2025
| facility = Federal Medical Center, Lexington
| status = Released (May 28, 2025) - Presidential Pardon
|conviction_date = June 7, 2022
}}
'''Julie Hughes Chrisley''' is an American reality television personality best known for starring alongside her husband Todd Chrisley in the USA Network series ''Chrisley Knows Best''.<ref name="cbs">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/why-did-trump-pardon-todd-julie-chrisley-fraud-tax-conviction-cbs-news-explains/ |title=Who are Todd and Julie Chrisley? What to know about Trump's pardon of couple convicted of fraud |publisher=CBS News |date=May 2025}}</ref> In 2022, she was convicted of federal charges including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud conspiracy, and obstruction of justice. She was sentenced to seven years in federal prison but received a presidential pardon from Donald Trump in May 2025.<ref name="npr">{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2025/05/28/nx-s1-5414091/todd-julie-chrisley-pardon-trump |title=Trump pardons Todd and Julie Chrisley, the reality TV couple convicted of fraud |publisher=NPR |date=May 28, 2025}}</ref>


== Background ==

Julie Chrisley was born on January 9, 1973, in South Carolina. She married Todd Chrisley in 1996, and together they raised five children—including three from Todd's previous marriage and two biological children, Chase and Savannah. The family resided in Atlanta and later Nashville, where they built a lifestyle centered on real estate, business ventures, and eventually reality television.<ref name="cbs"/>

In 2014, the Chrisley family began starring in ''Chrisley Knows Best'', a reality series that followed their daily lives and portrayed them as a close-knit, affluent Southern family with a sharp wit. Julie was featured prominently as the family matriarch, often serving as a mediating presence between her husband's demanding personality and their children. The show became popular for its humor and family dynamics, running for nine seasons.<ref name="fortune">{{cite web |url=https://fortune.com/2025/05/28/trump-pardon-chrisley-knows-best-tax-evasion-defraud-banks-30-million/ |title=Trump to pardon 'Chrisley Knows Best' stars convicted in 2022 of tax evasion and conspiring to defraud banks of over $30 million |publisher=Fortune |date=May 28, 2025}}</ref>


The series spawned several spinoffs, including ''Growing Up Chrisley'', which followed children Chase and Savannah, and ''Chrisley Knows Best: Behind Closed Doors''.

== Criminal Case ==

=== Federal Investigation ===

In August 2019, a federal grand jury in Atlanta indicted Julie and Todd Chrisley on 12 counts, including conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and tax evasion.<ref name="doj">{{cite web |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/television-personalities-sentenced-years-federal-prison-fraud-and-tax-evasion |title=Television personalities sentenced to years in federal prison for fraud and tax evasion |publisher=United States Department of Justice |date=November 21, 2022}}</ref> Prosecutors alleged that the couple had engaged in a multi-year scheme to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans.<ref name="fortune"/>


=== The Fraud Scheme ===

According to the indictment, Julie Chrisley played an active role in the fraud scheme that operated from approximately 2007 to 2012. Prosecutors presented evidence that she:

* Participated in creating and submitting false financial documents to banks
* Helped conceal income from their reality television show from the IRS
* Assisted in hiding money through a company controlled by her family
* Failed to file tax returns from 2013 through 2016<ref name="cnn">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/27/politics/trump-pardon-chrisley-knows-best |title=Trump pardons Todd and Julie Chrisley convicted of bank fraud and tax crimes |publisher=CNN |date=May 27, 2025}}</ref>


The scheme involved submitting fabricated bank statements, fake audit reports, and inflated financial statements to obtain loans that funded the family's lavish lifestyle—the same lifestyle later showcased on their reality television program.<ref name="doj"/>

=== Obstruction of Justice ===

In addition to the fraud charges, Julie Chrisley was charged with obstruction of justice. Prosecutors alleged that after the investigation began, she created a false document—a fabricated credit report—and provided it to investigators in an attempt to derail the investigation.<ref name="doj"/>

=== Trial and Conviction ===

The trial took place in U.S. District Court in Atlanta in May and June 2022. On June 7, 2022, a federal jury found both Julie and Todd Chrisley guilty on all counts. Julie was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy to commit tax evasion, and obstruction of justice.<ref name="doj"/>

Federal prosecutor Annalise Peters argued that Julie was a "core part" of the fraudulent scheme and not merely a passive participant influenced by her husband.<ref name="today">{{cite web |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/julie-chrisley-resentencing-verdict-rcna172674 |title=Julie Chrisley was just resentenced. Inside the judge's verdict |publisher=Today |date=September 25, 2024}}</ref>


=== Sentencing ===

On November 21, 2022, U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross sentenced Julie Chrisley to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. The couple was jointly ordered to pay $17.8 million in restitution.<ref name="doj"/>

== Incarceration ==

Julie Chrisley began serving her sentence in January 2023. She was initially assigned to [[FMC_Lexington_(medical_facility)|Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky, a facility that provides medical care for female federal inmates]]. She was later transferred to another federal facility.<ref name="cbs"/>

In September 2023, her sentence was reduced by 14 months for good behavior.<ref name="cbs"/>

== Appeals ==

Julie Chrisley's legal team aggressively pursued appeals:

=== 2024 Appeal ===

On June 21, 2024, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated Julie Chrisley's seven-year sentence. The appeals court ruled that the original trial judge had miscalculated her sentence because there was "insufficient evidence" to establish that Julie was involved in the bank fraud scheme from its inception in 2006.<ref name="appeal">{{cite web |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/julie-chrisleys-sentence-bank-fraud-tax-evasion-case-thrown-out-judge-orders-resentencing/ |title=Julie Chrisley's sentence in bank fraud and tax evasion case thrown out as judge orders resentencing |publisher=CBS News |date=June 2024}}</ref>


While the appeals court upheld all of her convictions, they ordered that she be resentenced by a lower court.

=== Resentencing ===

Julie Chrisley was resentenced on September 25, 2024. Her attorney, Alex Little, argued that she deserved a reduced sentence of no more than five years, characterizing her as a "minor player" whose offenses were "dramatic mistakes." He also noted her good behavior during the 20 months she had already served.<ref name="today"/>

However, federal prosecutor Annalise Peters urged the judge to reimpose the original seven-year sentence, arguing that Julie had shown no remorse, offered no apology, and admitted no wrongdoing. Judge Ross agreed, reimposing the seven-year sentence and noting that Julie remained "a core part" of the fraud.<ref name="today"/>

Following the resentencing, the restitution amount was reduced from $17.8 million to $4.7 million.<ref name="today"/>

Julie Chrisley's attorneys announced they would appeal the resentencing decision.

=== Supreme Court Petition ===

The Chrisleys also filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review their convictions, arguing that they had been unfairly prosecuted and that errors had been made during their trial.<ref name="fortune2">{{cite web |url=https://fortune.com/2024/04/19/todd-julie-chrisley-appeal-bank-fraud-tax-evasion-convictions/ |title=The Chrisleys want to appeal their bank fraud and tax evasion convictions |publisher=Fortune |date=April 19, 2024}}</ref>


== Presidential Pardon ==

On May 27, 2025, President Donald Trump announced he would pardon both Julie and Todd Chrisley.<ref name="cnbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/27/trump-pardons-todd-julie-chrisley-reality-tv.html |title=Trump to pardon reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley, convicted of fraud and tax evasion |publisher=CNBC |date=May 27, 2025}}</ref> Their daughter Savannah had been a vocal advocate for her parents' release, speaking at the 2024 Republican National Convention and publicly thanking Trump for "fighting for families like hers."<ref name="cnn"/>


The White House stated that the President was "pleased to give well-deserving Americans a second chance, especially those who have been unfairly targeted and overly prosecuted."<ref name="cnn"/>

Both Julie and Todd Chrisley were released from federal custody on May 28, 2025.<ref name="npr"/>

== Post-Release ==

'''As of December 2025''', Julie Chrisley has been free for approximately seven months following her presidential pardon. The family has been actively rebuilding their public presence and exploring new media opportunities.

=== Media Appearances ===

Following their release, both Julie and Todd Chrisley made their first public appearance on ''Good Morning America'', where Todd expressed gratitude for the pardon and discussed their plans moving forward. The couple has also been active on social media, reconnecting with fans who supported them throughout their legal ordeal.<ref name="abc">{{cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/News/todd-chrisley-speaks-1st-time-trumps-pardon/story?id=122347882 |title=Todd Chrisley speaks out for 1st time since Trump's pardon |publisher=ABC News |date=May 2025}}</ref>

=== Future Television Projects ===

The Chrisley family has indicated interest in returning to television, though no specific projects have been announced as of late 2025. Industry observers note that their pardon and the controversy surrounding it could actually increase viewer interest in any future programming. The family's daughter Savannah has maintained a significant social media following and has been vocal about potential new ventures.

=== Family Reunification ===

Julie's release allowed the Chrisley family to reunify after more than two years of separation. During their parents' incarceration, the Chrisley children—particularly Savannah—took on responsibility for raising their younger brother Grayson and maintaining the family's affairs. Julie has spoken about the emotional impact of being separated from her children and the adjustment of returning to family life.

== Impact and Legacy ==

The Chrisley case became one of the most high-profile celebrity fraud prosecutions in recent years, drawing attention to the disconnect between reality television portrayals of wealth and actual financial circumstances. The family's carefully cultivated image of Southern affluence was revealed to be built partly on fraudulent loans and tax evasion.<ref name="fortune"/>

The case also highlighted the role of political connections in the clemency process. The Chrisleys' pardon came after their daughter Savannah became a vocal supporter of President Trump and spoke at the Republican National Convention, raising questions about the fairness and consistency of presidential clemency decisions.<ref name="cnn"/>

During their incarceration, the Chrisley children—particularly Savannah—took on responsibility for caring for their younger siblings and maintaining the family's public presence, documenting the experience on social media and in interviews.<ref name="cbs"/>

== See Also ==
* [[Todd Chrisley]]
* [[Category:High-Profile_Federal_Offenders|High-Profile Federal Offenders]]
* [[Federal Medical Center, Lexington]]


== Frequently Asked Questions ==
{{FAQSection/Start}}
{{FAQ|question=What was Julie Chrisley convicted of?|answer=Julie Chrisley was convicted of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, tax fraud conspiracy, and obstruction of justice.}}
{{FAQ|question=How long was Julie Chrisley's prison sentence?|answer=Julie Chrisley was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison, but received a presidential pardon in May 2025.}}
{{FAQ|question=Did Julie Chrisley receive a pardon?|answer=Yes, President Trump pardoned both Julie and Todd Chrisley in May 2025, and they were released from federal custody.}}
{{FAQ|question=What did the Chrisleys do?|answer=The Chrisleys submitted false documents to banks to obtain over $30 million in fraudulent loans and evaded taxes on their TV show income.}}
{{FAQ|question=Where was Julie Chrisley imprisoned?|answer=Julie Chrisley was incarcerated at Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky before her pardon in May 2025.}}
{{FAQSection/End}}
== References ==
<references />

[[Category:High-Profile Federal Offenders]]

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