NATIONWIDE – Following their convictions on federal bank fraud and tax evasion charges, reality television personalities Todd and Julie Chrisley are now pursuing a presidential pardon.

• The Conviction and Sentences – Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of a multi-year conspiracy to defraud banks of over $30 million and conceal earnings from the IRS. Todd was sentenced to 12 years (recently reduced to 10) and Julie to 7 years in federal prison.
• The Pardon Campaign – The couple’s daughter, Savannah Chrisley, is using her platform, including the “Unlocked” podcast, to advocate for a presidential pardon, arguing her parents were unfairly targeted and convicted.
• Appeals Court Ruling – In June 2024, a federal appeals court upheld the couple’s convictions. However, it vacated Julie Chrisley’s sentence, citing a procedural error, and sent her case back to a lower court for resentencing.

The case of the Chrisley family, once stars of the popular reality show “Chrisley Knows Best,” has shifted from the television screen to the federal court system, with the latest development centering on a high-stakes appeal for a presidential pardon.

What Crimes Led to the Chrisleys’ Conviction?

The legal troubles for Todd and Julie Chrisley stem from actions that occurred long before and during their television fame. In 2022, a federal jury in Atlanta found them guilty of a years-long scheme involving bank fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the couple submitted fraudulent documents to secure more than $30 million in bank loans, which they used to fund a lavish lifestyle. After the loan scheme collapsed, the Chrisleys filed for bankruptcy. Once their show, “Chrisley Knows Best,” began airing in 2014, prosecutors argued the couple conspired with their accountant to hide millions of dollars in income from the IRS.

The jury convicted them on all counts. Todd Chrisley was initially sentenced to 12 years in prison, which has since been reduced to 10. Julie Chrisley was sentenced to seven years. A recent ruling by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the convictions but found that the trial judge had incorrectly calculated Julie’s sentence by holding her responsible for the entire bank fraud scheme. Her case was sent back for a new sentencing hearing, while Todd’s sentence was affirmed.

How Does a Presidential Pardon Actually Work?

The campaign for a pardon, led by Savannah Chrisley, presents a narrative of a family wronged by the justice system. However, obtaining a presidential pardon is a formal and arduous process with no guarantee of success. What does that process entail?

Typically, a petitioner must file an application with the Office of the Pardon Attorney within the Department of Justice. Federal guidelines state that petitioners should wait at least five years after their conviction or release from confinement, whichever is later, before filing. This waiting period is designed to allow individuals to demonstrate rehabilitation.

The Pardon Attorney’s office conducts an extensive review of the case, the petitioner’s character, and their conduct since the conviction before making a recommendation to the President. The President holds the ultimate authority to grant or deny a pardon, and they are not bound by the Justice Department’s recommendation. Historically, the number of pardons granted is a small fraction of the applications received.

Why Public Opinion Matters in a Legal Fight

While the legal path to a pardon is rigid, the Chrisleys’ public relations strategy serves a different purpose. By using podcasts and social media, Savannah Chrisley is attempting to control the narrative surrounding her parents’ case. This effort is aimed at the court of public opinion.

This strategy highlights a modern reality where celebrity influence can be used to apply public pressure and maintain relevance, even in the face of a federal conviction. The goal may not solely be to secure an immediate pardon, which remains a long shot. It could also be about shaping the family’s public image for the future, generating sympathy, and building a base of support that could be valuable long after their legal battles are over. The ongoing public discourse keeps the Chrisley name in the headlines, shifting the focus from the details of their crimes to a story of a family fighting for justice.