Julie Chrisley Makes An Emotional Court Appearance As Her 84-Month Sentence Is Upheld

Julie Chrisley, star of Chrisley Knows Best, has officially been resentenced in her long-running fraud and tax evasion case. On Wednesday, September 25, she appeared at the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, where a judge reaffirmed her previous sentence of 84 months (seven years) in prison.

Despite efforts to challenge the original decision, the court ruled that the sentence remained appropriate.

Julie Chrisley’s Emotional Breakdown

Julie’s two oldest children, Chase and Savannah Chrisley, stood by their mother during the proceedings.

Julie, 51, made a heartfelt apology for her actions and the effect they had on her family in a statement that was clearly emotive.

She had brown hair and looked almost unrecognizable. “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,” she stated.

Additionally, she spoke to her kids and apologized for the hardships her legal issues had caused them.

Julie continued through tears, “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.”

While the family’s representative has yet to comment on the recent ruling, Julie’s attorney, Alex Little, had previously spoken to PEOPLE, stating: “We’re pleased that the Court agreed that Julie’s sentence was improper, but we’re obviously disappointed that it rejected Todd’s appeal,”

Julie Chrisley’s History With Jail Sentences

Julie and her husband, Todd Chrisley, were originally sentenced in November 2022. Julie was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Todd received twelve years for their roles in a $30 million fraud and tax evasion scam.

The pair started appealing their case in December 2022, but both reported to their separate jails in January 2023.

Following a successful appeal hearing in April 2024, a judge vacated Julie’s sentence in June 2024, citing insufficient evidence. However, Todd’s sentence was upheld. Despite this brief victory for Julie, her resentencing hearing confirmed the original seven-year prison term.

In the lead-up to her resentencing, Julie shared her first public apology during the hearing. She acknowledged the pain her actions caused and reflected on the toll it had taken on her family. “I’ve had 20 months in prison, but the emotional burden began long before the trial. I am deeply sorry for everything my children have endured,” she said through tears.

She also revealed that during her time in prison, she had been taking steps to better herself, learning new skills like operating a forklift and serving food in compliance with proper protocols.

Savannah Chrisley Prepares For Mom Julie’s Homecoming

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The Judge Ruling And Its Impact on Julie Chrisley’s Children

Although Julie’s children and their therapist submitted letters on her behalf, the judge upheld the sentence.

The judge acknowledged the impact on the Chrisley children but made it clear that parenthood does not excuse criminal conduct. “I am concerned about the children,” the judge said, “but with all due respect, you don’t get a pass from criminal behavior because you are a parent.”

As the court session concluded, Julie was seen sharing a smile with her daughter Savannah before being led away to return to Federal Medical Center Lexington in Kentucky, where she has been serving her sentence.

In the days leading up to the hearing, she had briefly been released from the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ custody, though her return to prison was swiftly ordered.

Despite the legal battles, the Chrisley family continues to hold out hope for future victories as their attorney works on challenging their convictions.

Be sure to catch up on everything happening with Julie Chrisley right now. Come back here often for all Julie Chrisley spoilers, news, and updates.