Things are looking up for “Chrisley Knows Best” mom Julie Chrisley.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta said Friday it will vacate the former USA Network reality star's current prison sentence for tax evasion. According to court documents obtained by local outlet WSBTV, the district court said it “failed to identify the evidence on which it relied to hold Julie responsible” for several years of fraud that also involved her husband Todd Chrisley and her accountant Peter Tarantino. from 2007.
“We cannot independently find it in the record,” the court document says.
The appeals court said it will remand his case to the district court “to make the factual findings and calculations necessary to determine loss, restitution and forfeiture” regarding his resentencing. Julie, 51, is serving her prison sentence at a facility in Lexington, Kentucky.
In June 2022, Todd and Julie Chrisley were found guilty of tax evasion and bank fraud. Todd, 56, was initially sentenced to 12 years at Florida's Pensacola Federal Prison Camp. Julie was initially ordered to serve seven years. Last year, both received reductions in their sentences: Todd will be released almost two years earlier than originally scheduled, and Julie 14 months sooner.
Friday's appeals court decision marks a victory for the Chrisley family, whose lawyers have been working to appeal the stars' verdict and prison sentences since late last year.
Attorney Jay Surgent, one of Julie and Todd's legal representatives, told The Times in an email statement Monday that his team is “pleased” with the decision and noted that Julie may be eligible for earlier release. Although disappointed that the appeals court did not remand Todd, Surgent said he is hopeful for more appeal efforts.
“We also have other legal maneuvers that will be implemented on Todd's behalf,” Surgent said.
Savannah Chrisley, the couple's eldest daughter, broke the news of her mother's appeal on Saturday. “It didn't necessarily turn out the way we expected, but we have a small victory,” the 26-year-old “Unlocked” podcast host said on Instagram.
“I'm grateful for that and I hope and pray that the judge can send her home,” Savannah said, before adding that she trusts her mother “will come sooner rather than later.”
Later in her video, she added, “I have other ideas up my sleeve to bring dad home.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
