Todd & Julie Chrisley Lawyer Gives Update on Couple’s Bid to Be Freed From Prison ‘Nightmare’
Chrisley Knows Best stars Todd and Julie Chrisley are still fighting against the convictions that have placed them behind bars for combined 19-year sentences.
Now the couple’s lawyer is giving an update on the appeals process they’re pushing amid “nightmare” conditions previously reported. Speaking to People, Jay Surgent, a partner at Weiner Law Group LLP, who represents the couple, shared that they “did our final filings” last week for an appeal.
(Credit: Annette Brown / ©USA Network / Courtesy: Everett Collection)
While they still aren’t sure where the filings will take them, Surgent offered an update on what could happen amid proceedings. “The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals can reverse the District Court, or they could remand the case back for hearings that should have been held that were not held during the course of this trial,” Surgent told People. “We argued very vigorously that their constitutional rights have been violated, and that they basically were not given a fair hearing. It’s all in black and white, actually.”
Todd and Julie were found guilty of fraud and were sentenced in November of 2022, but didn’t report to prison until January of this year.
Ahead of this appeals update, Surgent told TMZ that Todd had been enduring bad plumbing, potential mold, and no air conditioning to hold off the extreme heat being experienced in Pensacola, Florida where he’s serving his sentence. Meanwhile, Julie is also reportedly experiencing tough conditions in Lexington, Kentucky where she’s currently serving her sentence.
“Their living conditions… it’s an absolutely ridiculous situation,” Surgent said. The lawyer further wanted to clarify that “Not that we’re saying that they deserve special treatment because they’re celebrities. They don’t… What we’re saying is that they, along with other inmates, deserve better treatment. We shouldn’t be treating our prisoners the way we’re treating our prisoners at this point in time.”
Will their appeal process work? Stay tuned.
Conversation107 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
C
Just let them out on house arrest etc…people have murderd and gotten less and better treatment it’s like people hate them because the are celebrities… Jesus what is wrong with you haters? What if this was you or your family members and YOU DO NOT KNOW the FACTS…it’s NOT your place to judge! How many laws to you broken and not gotten caught yet you point the finger at these two! What is this world coming to???? nothing but hate and evil???
80 16
-
G
They're celebrities because they're liars and they defraud everybody, there's no haters here the law is the law you do the crime you do the time
5 2
-
G
How about Hunter Biden, he did the crime so where the hells his time???
2
-
-
J
Probably one of Todd's kids with a fake name. I did 25 years..I didn't get released. Same kind of charges. It is what it is.
1 1
-
C
I agree
1
-
B
Because they are celebrities doesn't exempt them from the law. They are criminals who committed a serious crime and got just what they deserve. No one is hating them because they are celebrities, they are being judge because of the lies, defrauding the banks and stole millions to live a fake lifestyle. It's prison its not meant to be a luxury hotel, it's meant to deter them from committing any further crimes. Now what I would agree on is that the condition of the prison if it's ture should be looked at, no one should suffer in extreme heat and at the very best have decent condition. Other than that they should stay right where they are. If this crime was committed by normal people we would not get this outcry to release them to home confinement. If they let them out then there needs to be a public outcry to let every prisoner out that committed a lesser offense, fair is fair.
-
-
B
Hell I did my time and we didn't have ac or window pains in the windows. So it's cold in the winter. My family didn't like it. And said things. It just stayed the same and I spent my first 3 years there. So cry me a river
3
-
C
I think house arrest would be sufficient , they would be reminded every Day to stay between the lines.
3 1
-
G
Who?
-
O
You hit the nail on the head. They definitely dont deserve this for a non violent crime…There’s a bunch of worthless haters on here that are just super jealous and want to see them suffer. That is pure evil.
-
-
G
I’ve watched this very closely and I honestly believe these people are innocent. There are people that have raped, attempted to murder, molested children, beaten children,,kidnapping and have served far less time, ( if any at all) than Mr. and Mrs. Chrisley. So if the judge wants to find the guilty then put them on probation. Even if they were truly guilty they still shouldn’t have to be in prison for something like this!
61 11
-
B
You kidding they committed a crime got caught and now being punished. Because they are celebrities doesn't make them any better then anyone else. If this was you or I who committed this crime we wouldn't get this attention and would have to suffer the punishment.
3
-
O
Seems that the democratic party is ABOVE the law. Look at what Hillary did with hiding all those emails, destroying laptops and white washing a bunch of highly classified documents. Do I need to remind everyone about the SWEETHEART DEAL THAT HUNTER GOT?? Come on people get a clue… the BIDENS ARE ABOVE THE LAW.. Let the CHRISLEY go home
2 1
-
G
Lol.. not everything needs to be political. People commit crimes, get caught and get punished. It happens every day. Just look at the current crimes committed by the Tangerine Palpatine.. just another celebrity criminal
-
-
-
R
I agree totally. Make them pay back the money and hefty fines but not prison.
1 1
-
R
I must say I believe they committed fraud however their sentencing seems very stiff for a non violent crime....more than a decade for a non violent crime ??
They both have a clean record ?
I think there should be a punishment but the punishment should fit the crime
4
-
R
Agree
-
-
O
I totally agree! Something is way off with their sentence.
2
-
R
Agree
-
-
A
I agree 💯 it is shameful that our judicial system could allow this length of sentencing for what I consider not a very harsh crime when compared to so many other terrible crimes that are committed out there, they already have to pay 100% restitution and we're sentenced to years of probation.
1
-
G
I absolutely agree with you! They are trying to make an example out of Todd and Julie BECAUSE they are famous, but at the end of the day they are human beings who were handed ridiculous sentences. They have never been in any trouble before EVER, THEY HAVE NO CRIMINAL HISTORY, and they absolutely do not deserve to be handed down a 12 year and a 7 year prison sentence!
1
-
-
G
Is the lawyer going to get better conditions for the rest of the prisoners… No. They should stay and serve their time like everyone else.
53 14
-
G
EXACTLY. But as we all know being wealthy and privileged can usually get you out of any situation.
3
-
O
Yes you are right we would not be talking about them if they weren’t celebrities….. they lived life like they deserved all that …..they deserve to be were there at!!!! When they get out there still gonna have their riches homes cars money so stop complaining!!! Do your time !!!!!
3
-
-
G
No but the other prisoners lawyers could!! The Chrisleys lawyers aren't there for "all the other prisoners" Their lawyer is there for them, not everyone else.
6 2
-
O
That need to stay in jail, if you can't do the time don't do the crime
4
-
-
B
They need to serve there jail time just like anyone else who has committed crimes just like they have done.
44 12
-
G
Nowadays most dont go away for tax fraud , especially that amount of time they usually get 2 years in federal they only got that time because of who they are
3
-
G
They should serve ever day
1
-
-
-
O
I personally do not think they should be in prison at all because I know of other people that is still the same thing and worse and they're not in prison I think they set out to make an example out of the Christmas and made something that was much of nothing a great big thing not giving him a chance being better off out here paying money back and those poor children need one of their parents at home with them if they were going to have to go to prison why could they not do like the Judas and the real housewives of New Jersey one go and then the other one come back and the other one day so unfair and these dick conditions are inhumane for anybody..
31 6
-
G
I was in a worst prison then them I took nothing from No one drug charges
-
G
You know of other people who stole $30M? What kind of people do you hang out with??
1
-
-
G
If they hadn't committed their fraud they wouldn't be in jail so if you can do the crime you sure can do the time
30 7
-
K
Question…. So you know for a FACT that these people are GUILTY? If not then why do you want to make this comment? Why is this your assumption? Just curious…
1 1
-
O
There are a ton of innocent people in prison. You need educated before you run your mouth.
1 1
-
-
A
I think they were really railroaded, yes they committed a crime, yes they are guilty, I've seen people sentenced to a lot less time for far more serious crimes I definitely do not think the punishment fits the crime, 2 to 3 years I think would of been sufficient and I believe lesson would of been learned, if it was anybody else with the same crime the punishment would be a lot less
20 3
-
O
They were sent to prison, not a spa
I read their complaints about no a/c. Do they realize how many US citizens do not have a/c? I rather my taxes go to help law abiding citizens.
28 11
-
O
Yes a lot of citizens don't have a/c but they don't live in concrete rooms with no windows. Don't be dumb
3 1
-
-
R
When people commit crimes & are convicted of said crimes they go to jail/prison, there must be 100 of people in this prison for lesser offenses & they must stay there, what make them more special then the others?
22 6
-
C
Yes they committed a crime but so did the presidents son and he gets probation. I think our society would be better served if the judge gave them some kind of community service where they could raise money for the less fortunate or even the prison system. Maybe there time in prison is shining light on how people could serve time in a constructive way.They could have to pay the money back that they did not pay and have to serve the community. Equal justice under the law.
6 4
-
C
Do you think Trump should do time?
-
A
Right!!!!!!
-
-
-
B
This is absolutely ridiculous!! Todd and Julie were railroaded by that judge!! They didnt deserve to do more than 2 years for what they did!! Im believing the God i serve will grant their appeal and they will come home!! In Jesus Name!! All of u haters out there should think about what if it was your loved one having to stay behind bars for 12 years!! Its unreal honestly!! They r good people that made a bad choice!! Thats all!! God bless them!!
21 8
-
G
The judge they had was racist and was trying to get at them cause they're white. We know all too well what happened. Would the black judge had given a black husband and wife the same sentence? Doubtful!
1
-
-
P
They broke the law and were convicted of the crimes. They need to do the time just anybody else. They have cold water from the sinks to help cool them down. They make machines to clear possible issues with plumbing and for mold you can clean it and spray the area to help prevent it from coming back. Just wait till winter, they will start complaining that it's too cold.
23 13
-
G
Just like Hunter Biden got a sweetheart of a deal but did even more! Where his jail time????
4 3
-
R
I agree but the laws should be the same for everyone. But if you are the presidents son the laws are different. So until he gets what he deserves for tax fraud drugs and non child support for years not to mention money laundering. I vote to release the Christleys.
1
-
G
Sentencing for financial crimes is generally correlated to the amount of money in question. Hunter Biden was charged with 100K of unpaid taxes. Your celebrity crushes fraudulently stole 30 Million. These are not even close to the same thing.
-
-
C
Trump has done way more and many more years than they did but I bet you think that's ok
2
-
R
Are you for real?I don't think cool water from the sink will help if it's 110, no one not JUST the Crosley should be treated like they are being treated. Do you think the prison gives a crap
-
-
B
I think he should give the prison a bad review! After all Jeffrey Epstein was on house arrest and just had to pay for his jailers round the clock. I think that living in his mansion and day trading would be time better spent. Poor guy!! No A/C that’s unthinkable treatment
16 6
-
G
I'm sure they will have the A/C fixed soon and all the other issues taken care of.They will be okay !
The other person wrote he was in for yrs and did the same thing and he did his time. So these people are No different then that person.
2
-
-
C
The only thing I get from all their whining is they want us to think they're experiencing such a nightmare and alluding it to their "celebrity" status while using said status to argue why they shouldn't be in prison in the first place. Privileged jackwads. I'd say compared to what other prisoners around the world are enduring that these people have very little to bitch about.
13 5
-
O
Boohoo!! You did the crime now do the time.
12 5
-
C
Our prisons are overcrowded, and I don’t think that people should be locked up if they do not pose a threat or danger to others. A prison sentence should be for violent criminals. Crimes like this should come with fines, community service, etc.
6
-
G
Leave them there no better than us normal citizens rich people think money buys the way.
7 2
-
O
Serve your sentence. Think of your actions that got you there. Flying to California for family spa day, hair care, etc. Is out of the question for now. Wake up! Count your blessings. Pray that your faith in God will sustain you during this time. Trust in him and the big problems that you think you have are just little inconveniences ...that are not forever.
-
-
O
They need to stay in prison like everyone else who commits a crime -What is House arrest ?Thats nothing compared to being in jail to do the house arrest will only teach famous people to commit crimes you want have to go to jail because you too may receive house arrest .They the Chrisleys need to stay in jail like everyone else who stay in jail .If they come out on house arrest then they should give everyone there a chance to be on house arrest .They are treated like celebrities. With a biased conviction and government -
7 2
-
O
Right . Who do they think they are?????
1 1
-
-
R
I say let one serve their sentence and let the other go home until its their time to serve. Just like Teresa and Joe got. This way the under age child can be taken care of instead of an adult sibling.
18 13
-
G
They never did as much as these two. The Jury found them guilty. The kids are all grown. Didn't the kids / granny ever ask where is all these big purchases come from ? I never watched the show, but they were both involved and worked together.Whats the saying, you want to play, then you pay.
3 1
-
G
Everyone was happy spending the money.
1
-
-
B
I think they got to much h time I'd fire them lawyers I think they went for the old okie Dokie fire them lawyers a court appointed lawyer would have gotten them less time
4
-
G
Maybe they should of toured the prison facilities before committing their crimes.
7 3
-
J
This is krazy to keep reading this same nonsense. Just do your time. Like we all had to do for breaking the law. I lived in a dorm for 7 years in 128 degree heat in summer months in Texas. And I faced it head on. Was served slop. Etc. Give it a rest.
8 4
-
L
I don't believe they're innocent but think they got a hard sentence. They're people that get out for murder in less time. I say home confinement with a huge fine.
3
-
G
I think the sentence is pretty harsh compared to other people who commit tax fraud
3
-
R
You wouldn't here about this situation but your only hereing it because they were on TV now if they can't handle too bad you did the crime now your doing the time growup and get over it
3
-
O
they need to stop their crying and do the time as sentence was given,, they had a fair trial as what they wanted,,, tired of all Thier crapt
7 4
-
G
I feel they should be placed on home confinement and the conditions they are living under should be looked at for all in prison. I think the judge was bias in her judgement. I feel it is difficult for any celebrity to get realkustice.
2
-
R
There are politicians that never payed for things like this, they should be home with their young son and little girl. Their treatment and sentencing is wrong.
5 3
-
O
I think all prisoners should be in home confinement of prisons are not going to get them air conditioning and water to drink.. I've heard in the news in Texas where young prisoners women are dying from the heat plus their water supplies cut off. What the hell is going on. Who died and made them judge and jury. This is redicioulous. All this inmates are already paying for their crimes by being locked up. Prison doesn't have to punish them more. God is watching you all. Your time will come I say to the governors not helping them and the wardens and security at the facilities you wait and see. What goes around comes around. Especially if you have families. Think about that.
2
-
O
I think they should serve there time it's wrong of what they did they knew what they did was wrong no better then anyone else. Do the crime serve the time.
1
-
O
Everyone keeps saying they should serve their time. If it was YOU and you didn't get a fair trial you would be yelling a different tune! There was a lot of questionable things that were overlooked. The judge was stuck on making examples out of some celebrities. Put yourself in the same position you really don't know they are guilty of anything the majority of stuff came from a gilted ex employee who has a personal issue with them. PLUS that person is the one who did most of the stuff. 🤔🤨. Sounds shady!
1
-
O
What about Trump, his wife and adult children, people in congress and everyone that broke the law him.
2 1
-
O
Personally I am glad the Chrisslys have brought to light the horrible conditions these people live in. My son is incarcerated in Mo and they went without air most of last summer and without heat a lot of the winter. AND I believe that if they are going after these people then they should start with the government. They must be above the law because they can get away with ANYTHING!!!! Maybe people's eyes needs to be opened for the needs of people incarcerated. They are treated like animals.
1
-
R
there are a lot more people out here that serve less time for more harsh things that they’ve done and that does include Washington DC people and you know who I’m talking about
1
-
O
People who steal always want more! When you get caught fess up!
1
-
O
Get a LIFE! They're CONVICTED FELONS,
-
O
They may not have so much if they have to pay the $17.5 restitution requested from them.
Their lawyer is not cheap.
-
O
Most other prisoners don't have the resources to pay someone like Alex Little.
-
O
They are not violent , so they should be on house arrest. They need a new training on how do things but 19 years is excessive time for the Chrisley's
-
G
First off love the family, with that being said, when you comets a crime you need to do the time. Also with that being said yes they did get a shit end of the sick and probably because they are celebrities, but everyone in there have it the same way. It should not matter who they are. I hope it works out the way it needs to be. GOD bless the hole family.
-
G
Oh boo hoo Mr. Chrisley!!!! Are you too delicate or too important and rich to do your required time? Many others have and are enduring similar conditions. Will your complaints improve the prisons for all or will your whining get you out? Court found you guilty, serve your time...such entitlement!!
-
R
Why do they think they are better than everyone else? Shame on them. Celebrity Always feel they are above everyone else.
-
C
You do the crime you do the time,they lived high on the hog on stolen money, making everyone think they had it all. No way should they have it any better than everyone else that is in prison. They aren't special!!!
-
D
Must be getting lonely without there 30 million!
-
D
You have got to be kidding me! iIf they want to see bad conditions maybe we should move them to aREAL PRISON! THEY should be thankful for where they are!
-
O
If it was up too me i would allow them home on a monitor so they can spend time with momma fay she has cancer shit Trump didn’t pay his taxes and they didn’t lock him up!!!!
-
O
If hindsight had been in Todds mind to begin with then we would not be talking about what if ,Todd .
-
S
I think it's very harsh conditions they are in. They didn't murder anyone, or belong to the cartels. At least with the cartels, there conditions are minimal. We all know what they did was wrong, but really, why not a ankle bracelet for them. The sentencing was immoral. This really needs to be changed. Obviously this lawyer isn't doing anything to help. Sentencing them at hone and with probation too. This way NO ONE has to be alone. The children are so lost. I just feel the sentencing was ridiculous and harsh.
1 1
-
C
What about the other inmates that are suffering these conditions? Are they all going to be allowed to serve their conviction with house arrest?
-
G
Oh boo hoo Mr. Chrisley...are you too delicate for prison? The justice system showed your thoughtless disregard for manipulating 30 million dollars for your own use..thousands have suffered these conditions...it should be improved for all!
-
B
Set them free, for crying out loud? If the judge is trying to make an example out of them, then maybe he should have given them 30 days or better yet ankle bracelets and serve out their sentence at home. They're not criminals! If anybody should have been put in jail, they should start with the lousy government.
2 2
-
G
Do the crime, do the time, cry babies,
-
O
What makes Todd and Julie any different you commit a crime you’re punished i think that’s the part they can’t wrap their heads around and now their families are left to clean up and lie for them SHAME ON THEM
-
O
I think they should be held accountable and be left where the are in prison they did the crime now they should do the time are the lawyers going to release every on in prison just because it's hard no so why should a judge make things easy for them and yes it's because the are celebrities so if conditions are so bad then you should let all prisoners go home not just special crying celebrities oh it's to hard I can't do this I want my freedom I think celebrities get to much attention and get off to easily and it's not right so if conditions are so bad like you say then they should pay for there actions just like everyone else or else everyone in prison to home confinement these celebrities shouldn't get the comforts of home when knowone else does it's not fare what kind of messages does that send to everyone else you do the crime and not pay the consequences they are not special just because the are celebrities and the should not be treated any different than anyone else
-
G
Should of told them to do wrong in Portland Oregon cause this state lets everyone commit crimes
-
G
Rot in there and I hope they’re in those conditions but it’s all a lie
-
O
Where is Hunter Biden ? He should be in Prison
-
G
Hold on, they are not the only ones serving time , what about all the others who are doing time in those prisons, who’s fighting for them! Serve your time and stop trying to use what fame you think you have to get out of jail. Hypocrites!!!
-
C
But yet Hunter Biden is living his life as he chooses
-
G
Just did 4 years in the feds! Lovely time !
-
D
Lol 😂 they’ve been there 6 months, I’d want to go home too, prison is hot and dirty 😩 🤣🤣🤣🤣 but have ya been ya know.. in the butt yet? 🤣 give it time 🤣
2 3
-
G
Secondly , Do the crime serve the time. They always thought that they were better than the average blokes kids included. Who pays to try to overturn the pair of convictions.
1 3
-
G
I don't think,this is doing anyone any good.They are parents let them.out monitor them and they lose the lifestyle with which they are accustomed.
19 21
-
R
Really, you how many people in prison have children and kids that are living on millions of dollars they did this to them selfs, no one did this but them selfs! They are lucky they are not in a state prison
1
-