Julie Chrisley's Prison Sentence for Bank Fraud and Tax Evasion Case Overturned by Appeals Court

Julie Chrisley's prison sentence has been vacated by an appeals court after judges determined there was insufficient evidence in her and Todd Chrisley's bank fraud case.

By Hayley Santaflorentina Jun 24, 2024 4:09 PM
| Updated Jun 25, 2024 6:37 PM
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Watch: Julie Chrisley's 7-Year Prison Sentence Overturned by Appeals Court

Julie Chrisley's legal journey has a new development. 

The Chrisley Knows Best alum's seven-year prison sentence in Kentucky for tax evasion and bank fraud was overturned June 21 after a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the judge in the 2022 trial miscalculated Julie's sentence.

Though the panel upheld Julie's, Todd Chrisley's and their accountant Peter Tarantino's convictions, they found there was insufficient evidence to support the ruling that Julie was involved in the entirety of the bank fraud scheme, as seen in court documents obtained by E! News. Instead, the judges determined there was insufficient evidence to prove she was involved in the scheme, which began in 2006, before 2007.

"The district court did not identify the evidence it relied on to hold Julie accountable for losses incurred before 2007, and we cannot independently find it in the record," the judges stated in their ruling. "So we vacate Julie's sentence and remand solely for the district court to make the factual findings and calculations necessary to determine loss, restitution, and forfeiture as to Julie and to resentence her accordingly."

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Chrisley Family Photos

Julie's case will now be handed to a lower court to determine how her sentencing will be adjusted per the new ruling. Todd's 12-year sentence—which was reduced to 10 years in September—has not been affected.

Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

Following the update in the case, the family's counsel told E! News, "We're pleased that the Court agreed that Julie's sentence was improper, but we're obviously disappointed that it rejected Todd's appeal."

"With this step behind us, we can now challenge the couple's convictions based on the illegal search that started the case," the statement continued, appearing to refer to the misconduct case the couple settled earlier this year. "The family appreciates the continued support they've received throughout this process. And they're hopeful for more good news in the future."

The judges' ruling comes six months after Julie and Todd, who reported to their respective prisons in January 2023, received a $1 million settlement from the state of Georgia after suing former special investigator Joshua Waites for misconduct in his handling of their investigation. 

The settlement was awarded in January after a Sept. 2021 report from Atlanta's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) supported Todd's claim "he was unfairly targeted for investigation due to his 'celebrity status."

The OIG's investigation found photos of Joshua posing on the Chrisley's seized furniture, as well as messages bragging about having done so. The report's findings also said Joshua's office filed an improper request with the U.S. Treasury Department to access the reality TV stars' bank accounts.

Despite the allegations of misconduct, however, in June 2022 Todd and Julie were found guilty on 12 counts, including charges of wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. They began their sentences in January 2023, which were each shortened in September—with Julie's seven-year sentence dropping to five in addition to Todd's changing to 10. 

"Without a doubt," Jay Surgent, an attorney for the couple, told Insider at the time, "Todd and Julie are model incarcerated individuals who received exorbitant sentences." 

Keep reading for a look back at the Chrisley family.

Couple Portrait

Chrisley Knows Best stars Julie Chrisley and Todd Chrisley smiled for a professional photo together in 2016.

Cast Photo

Todd and Julie were pictured along with Faye Chrisley, Chase Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, Chloe Chrisley and Grayson Chrisley ahead of season eight of their reality show.

Beverly Hills Outing

The spouses attended the 2014 Television Critics Association summer press tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. 

Academy of Country Music Awards

The pair hit the red carpet for the 2017 Academy Of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

The Concert For Love And Acceptance

Lindsie Chrisley—whose parents are Todd and Teresa Terry—joined her dad, Savannah and Julie at the 2015 Concert For Love And Acceptance at City Winery Nashville.

Sibling Bond

Savannah and Chase snapped a pic together in 2019 for E! News' Daily Pop.

Chrisley Knows Best

The couple appeared with granddaughter Chloe, who they adopted, on the "Build A Baby" episode in 2020.

Hollywood Game Night

Todd and Julie appeared with their daughter Savannah on Hollywood Game Night in 2018 for the "Chrisley's Believe It Or Not" episode.

Father-Daughter Date

The real estate mogul and his daughter were among the stars at the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas.

New York Event

Todd and Julie kept their kids Savannah and Chase close at the 2015 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfront in New York City.

Nashville Night Out

Todd and Julie were spotted at the 2019 grand opening of E3 Chophouse Nashville in Nashville, Tenn.

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