Julie Chrisley’s Lawyers Reveal Shocking New Details of Her Life Behind Bars

Julie Chrisley
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images

This is the week Julie Chrisley will find out whether or not a judge will reduce her prison sentence, as she is set to attend an Atlanta court hearing on Wednesday, September 25. Among the pleas being made on her behalf by her legal team is that she has “aged” in prison and being incarcerated has impacted her health. Plus, they have revealed new details about her day-to-day life behind bars and a surprising skill she has learnt.

Ahead of the hearing, Julie’s attorneys filed a document arguing for a reduced sentence for their client. In the filing, the reality star’s lawyers detail their client’s time at the Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky, where they say she has been “a model inmate.”

“Since the first day of her incarceration, Mrs. Chrisley has worked to better herself as an inmate and citizen and is poised to seamlessly re-enter society upon her release,” her attorneys, Alex Little and Zachary Lawson, said in the filing posted September 20, per the GazettExtra.

They continued, “She has worked continuously during her time as an inmate, including in the commissary, food service and laundry. Mrs. Chrisley currently works in two different positions in the facility. She also has taught classes to other inmates.”

The filing also claims that Julie, 51, has perhaps somewhat surprisingly received a license to operate a forklift and more than 40 certificates for completing various programs while locked up behind bars.

Julie has been serving a seven-year federal prison sentence after she and her husband, Todd Chrisley, were convicted in 2022 for bank fraud and tax evasion. However, in June, an appeals court accepted Julie’s appeal, and she is due in court on September 25 to hear the judge’s verdict on her resentencing.

In the latest filing, Julie’s lawyers note the impact the prison sentence has had on their client’s health. “In the 20 months Mrs. Chrisley has been incarcerated, she has aged, her health has further deteriorated, her minor children suffer from the absence of their mother, and her parents and mother-in-law are sicker,” they stated.

Julie and Todd’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, also wrote a letter U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross, where she said the past two years have been “unimaginably difficult.”

Savannah, who was given guardianship over her younger siblings Grayson (18) and Chloe (11), following her parents’ incarceration, wrote, “I beg you, Your Honor — please, send my mama home. I love Grayson and Chloe with all my heart, but no matter how much I provide for them, I know I can never truly give them what their mother can. I long for the day I can embrace my mother as a free woman again.”

“They are brilliant, beautiful souls with the potential to change the world, and I don’t want this world to break them,” Savannah added. “But I can’t do it alone. I need my mother. We need her… As a single woman running a one-income household, it often feels like no matter how hard I work, it’s never quite enough.”

The filing also included a letter from Grayson, who wrote, “The last two years of my life have been the hardest years of my life. My sister, Savannah, has stepped up and taken care of my sister and I, but as I’m sure you can understand, it is not the same as having your mama.”

Savannah’s letter also included some details as to Julie’s whereabouts. Julie has been out of the BOP’s custody since late August when she was transported from Kentucky to Atlanta for the upcoming hearing. Since then, she has been in the custody of the U.S. Marshals.

According to Savannah, her mom endured a 13-hour trip to Atlanta, which included having to “walk through a plane filled with men heckling her just to use the restroom at the back.”

“She chose to not eat or drink for the entire journey, just to preserve what little dignity she had left,” Savannah added. “Since then, she has been transferred from facility to facility, allowed outside for only an hour a day. The isolation and deprivation are taking their toll on her mentally and physically.”

Julie previously requested to attend the hearing remotely and later to be allowed to wear her civilian clothes in court. The judge denied both requests.




Conversation74 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Comments are closed on this story.

  1. P

    PurpleButterfly

    There’s a lot of wealthy people that owe millions to the government that never get touched like this…..wonder why?

    49 2

    1. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      Proof. That's the difference.

      6 4

    2. P

      PurpleGlasses

      Maybe if they weren’t stupid to go on national tv and flaunt materialistic stuff and never show a honest day’s work. I work hard for my family and I pay taxes so I don’t feel sorry for anyone who steals $$ and has to do the time.

      3

  2. O

    OliveFan

    I think they are just trying to make an example out of them. How many actors have you heard of doing the same thing and get no time for it!!

    47 9

    1. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      Proof. That's the difference

      4 1

  3. B

    BlueDice

    It's jail, she's no better than anyone else. No one gets young in jail. It's called time, time ages everyone.

    39 13

  4. G

    GreenBulb

    Julie should be sentenced to time served and a few years of probation. There are plenty of people with power that don't pay taxes and get fraudulent loans and never go to prision.

    36 11

  5. R

    RedLobster

    I think she has done enough time and needs to recover and be with her children. Sometimes good people do things they should not. But, many people do what they do on a daily basis and do not pay such an extreme penalty. Enough is enough!

    41 18

    1. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      You seriously need to learn how much financial crimes cost the middle class & the poor. I'm guessing you're rich so you're not affected by this. The rest of us are seriously victimized by these people DAILY. The punishment was fair & it needs to happen more often. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH IS RIGHT!!

      21 9

      1. B

        BluePaw

        Please TELL ME EXACTLY HOW YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE DIRECTLY VICTIMIZED? Did you lose out on grocery money? Was your power turned off? Did ur loan default? I’m waiting ….

    2. C

      CyanAirBalloon

      They were doing the crime for yrs. Ask why? For the money which was more important than their freedom.

      4 2

  6. G

    GreenRocket

    ImO,she and him was maded an example of. What they did (if they did it, remember the IRS woman lied on witness stand)was wrong but the time they got was absolutely wrong. Think about this, why isn't Al Sharpton behind bars he still owes back taxes for 8 million dollars, hasn't paid a penny. Why isn't Hunter Biden in jail, he didn't pay a penny of taxes on 35 million dollars. Her sentence should be reduced now to time served how many Hollywood elites are behind in their taxes? You will be surprised ,our justice system is so corrupt these days, especially if you aren't on the right side of politics

    33 10

    1. C

      CyanAirBalloon

      Why is Trump still waiting around?

      4 2

  7. R

    RedRocket

    Yes, I will agree with what someone else said you know I believe yes what they did was wrong and and I could see maybe like a year or so or whatever but what they got was I think way too long and they didn’t hurt nobody and people that have hurt people get out quicker than they do they’re in those good old boy states and I could just imagine how they’re being treated. It’s not I think it’s wrong.

    37 17

    1. O

      OliveSword

      A CRIME is a CRIME..

      .Do the time given to you for that CRIME!!! I don't see anyone else getting out early because of SYMPATHY

      22 5

    2. O

      OrangeAirBalloon

      They didn't hurt anyone? You seriously need to learn how financial crime affects YOU. THEY HURT YOU & ME

      14 4

      1. B

        BluePaw

        Apparently everyone is missing the point that PROSECUTORS WITHHELD EVIDENCE THAT PROVED THEY BOTH WERE INNOCENT! Asha unless u have been charged with a federal crime, you don’t know what it’s like and how that are .NOT ONE DOCUMENT HAS TODD OR JULIES SIGNATURE! WHITE COLLAR CRIME IS PUNISHED MORE SEVERELY THAN RAPE, MURDER, crimes against children and drugs ! Make that make sense

        1

  8. R

    RedRocket

    Her health can't be to bad if she is really doing what they say she is doing while in there. It had to be killing her to actually do what normal people do everyday. All I'm saying is that she is no better then anyone else that is sitting in there. Do the crime do the time.

    28 12

  9. O

    OrangeFish

    Do the crime. Do the time. STOP WHINING. I ran out of crackers and cheese a long time ago. You are not entitled to "special treatment" because you are a so-called celebrity. Actions have consequences. Lesson learned, and can have wide ranging effects on those you love. Her circumstances (probably more lenient actually)are no different than any other convict. Get over it, do the time. Move on.

    33 23

    1. G

      GreenApple

      I agree . Do the time .They had no problem spending all the money laughing at middle and lower class . And you know darn well Savana got to spend some of that money to . And I'm sure they got some stashed away in another country for when they get out . Years from now . After they do there time .

      7 1

      1. B

        BluePaw

        No matter what they both will be out when TRUMP takes office ! Bet! As they should

        1

  10. P

    PurpleCar

    Boo hoo. Commit the crime do the time.

    5

  11. G

    GoldCocktail

    Can t believe all the bleeding hearts on here. Set em free. Bull crap , they re thieves , serve your time like all the other prisoners

    7 2

  12. G

    GoldCocktail

    What the hell does her daughter know how long her flight was to Atlanta. 13 hours, where the hell did she fly from. She ain't no better than any body else. There are countless people in prison that has minor kids. Get over it, she is where she needs to be

    6 1

  13. O

    OrangePin

    Sorry to say but Karma bites....what goes around comes around...I dispise greedy people

    8 3

    1. G

      GreenRocket

      I can tell you actually didn't FOLLOW the trial. Maybe you can go look it up on line. She wasn't the one that took care of the financial side. One other thing, it was proven that the woman from the IRS lied under oath, but the judge wouldn't instruct the jury not to use that in their deliberations, the IRS person said they hadn't paid taxes from the year before, it was proven that they had they were actually charged with tax fraud for that year. It should have been dismissed, it wasn't. IMO, it just shows how corrupt our justice system is, but they shouldn't have GOTTEN all those years. One maybe two, but not 12. Him 7 for her. This all started bc the accountant tried advancing toward Chris and he refused, btw the accountant turned them into IRS as a informant and even though he was doing all the bookkeeping he got not a day. Corruption at its finest

      2

      1. G

        GreenRocket

        She sure was benefiting from the stolen $ and along with the lifestyle and flaunting it. Can't tell me she didn't know what was going on whether she was the one who actually initiated it or not still guilty spending the stolen $

        2

  14. C

    CyanStrawberry

    I agree with you Jackson they Todd and Julie basically stole the money that they had to get where they were it’s simple they are criminals come on people realize what they are and quit kissing their butts check the Atlanta Journal archives on Todd’s daddy Gene Chrisley the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and Todd controls Julie weather the people like it or not

    4

  15. B

    BlueCactus

    She’s in jail not at a Spa what did she or people expect. She’s there because of all her illegalities and corrupted heart, bless her heart such a good southern Christian woman

    4

    1. G

      GreenRocket

      Did you think about your comment before you wrote it? What if this was your mother, daughter etc, yes if they did all the things they were accused of, they were given an outrageous time, bc even rapists, drivers who hit someone and killed them don't get this much time. A 1_or2 years should have been all.hope you never go through this yourself or any of your FAMILY members. Please don't bring religion into this. There is a lot of FAMILIES trying to get their people out too.

      1 2

      1. G

        GreenRocket

        She's really not bringing religion into it, the family itself are always saying how religious and christian they are and praying for the truth to come out. Well the truth has come out alright..hypocrites for sure

        1

  16. C

    CyanAirBalloon

    Prison changes everyone. Especially the

    Privileged people. Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

    3

  17. A

    Amy taylor

    Well everyone's health deteriorates. It's not suppose to be fun, or comfortable. Do the crime you must do the time.. suck it up ma'am and do your time..

    3

  18. O

    OrangeAirBalloon

    She exemplifies everything that is wrong with television and reality TV. She should spend life in prison & she is lucky her children aren't in there with her. I find it VERY hard to believe they weren't aware.

    5 2

    1. G

      GoldBug

      You must be a miserable person to have so little compassion.

      1

  19. O

    OlivePlanet

    They whine about being in jail and how hard it is on family because they are famous and have a forum. So many in jail have it worse and have no voice. Just be quiet and serve your time!!

    3 1

  20. P

    PurpleFlame

    Cry me a river, they both should serve the full sentences. They are crooks and should be treated accordingly.

    2

  21. P

    PurplePuzzle

    In Illinois they don't do the kind of time for murder.

    1

  22. C

    CyanPopcorn

    A crime is a crime, people do you think they would let you out if you did the crine? She is looking older because she is not getting botox ect. Lady age like the rest of us, with out all the cosmetic stuff.

    1

  23. O

    OliveProcessor

    I say you do the crime, you best be prepared to do the time. cuz nobody is exempt from crime and the law

    1

  24. C

    CyanBasketball

    Her health is affected and she's aged?? Hum Oh yeah I forgot they don't have botox in prison she just showing her age

    1

  25. C

    CyanLamp

    First off, if she was a Black American , Native American, etc. she wouldn’t even have had the opportunity to ask for a reduction in sentencing after 20 Twenty Months of a SEVEN YEAR TERM!

    Secondly, see number one!

    Seriously—LMFAO. Violin here…

    1

  26. C

    CyanBucket

    I'm sure all the other mothers in jail are aging too, and their kids miss and need them. And jail is probably not too good for anyone's health. And she was is in a federal prison, and the moved to a medical facility...not really a hard core jail!

    At least there was someone somewhat responsible to see after the younger ones. Not every one is that blessed and their kids end up in foster care

    Stop whining! They'll get out and be back to their rich life soon enough

    1

  27. B

    BlueBox

    Until donald trump is locked up for the same crimes the Chrisleys committed, everyone incarcerated for like crimes should be released. Equal justice should prevail in the Justice System.

    2 1

  28. G

    GoldCocktail

    Linda is a dummy

    1

  29. O

    OliveBandAid

    Well, I would have no problem with them getting sentences reduced as long as they do the same for everyone else. They are not better than the rest of the world just cause they had more money, and the money came from crime. And if the daughter is having trouble keeping the life style they're used to, let them sell their mansion and get an apartment like the regular Joe has to do. Stop feeling sorry for rich criminals who do not deserve special treatment. Feel sorry for the poor and honest people who are bearly surviving.

    1

    1. G

      GoldSubmarine

      Everything’s been sold.

      2

    2. G

      GoldCar

      What about all the Hunter Bidens in the world that do this kind of crime and get away with it? What about out pathetic president that allowed it to happen and was in on it and hit it from the American people and got away with it also. Why don't they each and and everyone one of the high profile people whether they're government, Stars, military etc, or just everyday people that get away with it why should the chrisleys be made to show the world you can't do this and get away with it? Because more people than not get away with it.

      21 9

      1. O

        OrangeAirBalloon

        Classic "whataboutism" logical fallacy. "I think someone else did something wrong so I want this other person or people's to get away with wrongdoing too!"

        No. No one is going to let your orange election thief, serial sex offender, master grifter, best buddy of Esptien off the hook just because other people may or may not have done bad things too! HE IS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!

        Party of law & order 🤣

        7 5

      2. O

        OliveProcessor

        what about trumps 34 felonies?

        2 3

  30. O

    OliveSailboat

    Why should she get a break she is guilty others do not get a break and their families have to carry on. She thought because she was a star she could get away with it. I say she should serve whole sentence . Other families are worse off kids are in foster homes. So boo hoo. You do the crime do the time.

    5 4

  31. D

    Donna Shaw

    I think both Julie & Todd’s sentences are too long. I mean, come on people, it’s rediculous. I don’t know how these people sleep at night knowing their decision put somebody in prison kind they. There must be alot of people these days that cannot put themselves in other people’s shoes cause if they could, all this evil would not keep going on. What is wrong with people? Always loving to see others suffer. That’s all this is and it’s sick! You’re hurting the whole family, those babies. Not just Todd & Julie. They need to get out , they have been in prison long enough. I think they have learned thrust lessons. Don’t you think so? They should have done maybe 1 year each and the rest house arrest or probation. It’s their first offense too! I hate this. I think it’s evil, nasty and the devils work. Somebody is having a good time being mean and ugly!! Their day will come. I would NOT want your karma dude!

  32. G

    GreenQuill

    If it was my way I free her. We have a person running for President has d7one the same crime and they are free. So hopefully she ca get time served

  33. P

    PurpleScooter

    Is this Crime not the same thing Hunter Biden has gotten no time In jail for.SMH

    1 1

  34. P

    PurpleLeaf

    Don't get me wrong I loved this show and watched it faithfully. However, why should they be an exception to the rule. Many people in the system are going through the exact same thing. Do they get the empathy card as well? The one thing they did wrong was flaunted and got caught.

    1

  35. G

    GoldCar

    This was a ridiculous Sentencing. Let Julie go!!! Also let Todd go as well.

    They've learned their lesson. I caN guarantee you that them being robbed of thier dignity is punishment enough.

    The sentence was overwhelmingly long!!

    Give them.probation time and release these people already. My God they are not murderers!!

    They do have big, loving Hearts. If every human being that made a mistake involving breaking a law went to jail then planet Earth would be without any mankind outdoors.

    1

  36. O

    OliveChefHat

    It's complete BS her being treated like this. Our DOJ and prison system is a joke! People who like to push their Authority around and treat humans of a non serious matter like this terrible or inhumane. Messed up.

    1

  37. G

    GreenElephant

    They took her away from her children...she's lost her husband ...her reputation is ruined...she doesn't have much left...WHAT THE HELL ..DO THEY WANT HER SOUL TOO...I DARE THOSE WHO WANT HER BLOOD TO THROW THE FIRST STONE

    1

  38. R

    RedBowtie

    The judge needs replacing. Making examples of human beings is an abuse of power. Free Julie and Todd.

    1 2

    1. R

      RedBowtie

      I wonder what this judge's record of sentencing looks like. I imagine some get breaks, what profiles get harsher or less severe sentencing.

  39. P

    PurpleWheel

    I still love Todd and Julie!!! Honestly Management Teams do not always have your best interest and will rob you blind while leaving you to take the blame amd consequences. Im also still wondering why did they make them both serve time at the same time because Mib Wife Teresa Guidice and her husband did time in FBOP separately. Also Felicity Huffman and her husband went to prison for college scandal at separate times as well and only did 11 days total for $30000 so if I did the math correctly for it takes 1000 to get 30 million dollars so thats what a lil over $90000 a month so that would be a little over 3 years. so why did the chrisleys get so many year....

    1 2

    1. P

      PurpleFlame

      Huffman's husband (William H. Macy) did not go to jail, only her....and she also admitted what she did, hence the lighter sentence. The Chrisley crooks did not admit to anything and have been sentenced accordingly.

      2

  40. R

    RedTurtle

    I’m sorry but they give child molesters less time . What they don’t may have been a crime , but it was white collar crime . So many celebrities make this same mistake and just how are you a slap on the wrist . Their kids didn’t do the crime . So stop hating on people. Apparently y’all have either been criminals or related to someone doing time. Either way , No one likes a hater !

    2 4

  41. O

    Olive8Ball

    I believe it is horrible what the "Court" system has done to the Chrisley's. Julie needs to be home doing the most important job in the world. YET those with more money, bribery, committing felonies and destruction on America can run for President. What's wrong with this system folks?

    3 5

    1. C

      CyanAirBalloon

      Sure let's let everyone accused of financial crimes out of jail. No accountability. Crazy think about your actions before you commit a crime.

      We all know what the laws are. Play stupid games stupid prizes.

      1

  42. O

    OliveRadio

    You all want her to serve her time and say she doesn't deserve a break. But I bet all you haters are Trump supporters. If you all haters are then you should eat your words. Sorry the truth hurts but you need to be told and stop getting info sugar coated

    3

    1. P

      PurpleFlame

      They both should serve their full sentences and I am a Democrat.

  43. C

    CyanController

    First of all giving honor to my Lord & Savior, Savannah I will be praying for your family I thank you for stepping up to take care of your siblings, that's a big thing just right there & it's so right it's not like your mother, specially you don't have any children of your owe in the first place it's like you are growing up together. How come Julie could come home to be on a tether, do community service. How is their father & Grand mother, God bless

    3

  44. G

    GreenBulb

    The former president Trump has done worst and he has seen the inside of a prison. Julie should be sent home and be on probation for a few years.

    1 4

    1. P

      PurpleFlame

      They both should be in prison

  45. G

    GoldChilli

    I've watched the show for yrs and loved it. I'm pretty good at reading people even though it was tv, I'm not condoning what their being accused of but I will say Julie's needed by her children & family she's no risk to the public I mean they let real horrible criminals out the same day in some parts of the us. And Savannah God bless her is doing the best she can that's a lot to put a young person through! Im praying for the whole family and pray the judge has mercy on Julie and let her come home to take care of her kids and elderly parents not to mention nanny Faye Savannah if you see this I'm praying for this all to work out you keep the faith God's got this in Jesus mighty name Amen & Amen! 🙏🙌♥️

    4

    1. P

      PurpleFlame

      I am sure there are thousands of incarcerated people whose children need them and are no risk to the general public, but a crime was committed and they both were found guilty by a jury of their peers and were been sentenced accordingly. I will almost guarantee that if they had admitted to what they did, the sentences would have been lighter.

      3

  46. K

    Kenny

    Why do you put people in prison for bank fraud when our government frauds the taxpayers every single day by taking funds and sending it to other countries and not helping their own our government is a joke and if one joker is out of office Biden and if Harris gets in we will have a another joker in office and a lying president to. We need someone who is for our country and not others we need someone who is behind the people who are real Americans not people who are illegal to be in the USA. I’m tired of people going to prison for fraud but our government fraud every single time they are awake and nothing is done well we also need to stop the corruption and the unjustified people go to prison. Is hunter Biden going to get any prison time probably not because his daddy is rich and a criminal in his own way. We should have had the wall built by now but no Biden says get rid of it. And look at all the drugs that have come into our country and killings in our country and who let these people in Biden. The person who gets president should have to sign an agreement for everything they say the will do for Americans in the first year and if they don’t then they should be put out of office. I see America suffering economically every single day and our government is not doing anything about it.

    4

    1. P

      PurpleFlame

      Grow up, little princess.