Reality TV stars Todd and Julie Chrisley have been through quite a rollercoaster over the last few years. What started as a legal saga tied to fraud and tax evasion turned into a national talking point when former President Donald Trump stepped in with a full presidential pardon. Their story is far from over, with a $1 million settlement marking a new chapter in their lives after prison. If you're wondering what exactly happened and why it still matters, you're not alone. Let's dive into the details of their legal troubles, the pardon, and what comes next for the Chrisley family.

For those unfamiliar with the couple, Todd and Julie Chrisley became household names through their reality show, which gave viewers a peek into their lavish lifestyle, big personalities, and family dynamics. But behind the scenes, the Chrisleys were facing serious legal issues that eventually led to their imprisonment. Their case attracted attention not just because of their celebrity status, but also because of the political angle involving former President Trump.

Their journey from courtroom drama to prison time and finally a presidential pardon is a fascinating one. And now, with a legal settlement from the state of Georgia, there's more to unpack. Let's break it all down so you can understand what happened, why it matters, and what’s next for Todd and Julie Chrisley.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Todd and Julie Chrisley
• The Legal Case That Changed Everything
• The Presidential Pardon That Set Them Free
• The $1 Million Georgia Settlement
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Todd and Julie Chrisley

Before their legal troubles, Todd and Julie Chrisley were best known for starring in the hit reality show "Chrisley Knows Best," which aired on USA Network starting in 2014. The show followed their lives as they raised their children, often giving humorous and over-the-top advice while living a luxurious life. Their on-screen chemistry and exaggerated parenting style made them fan favorites.

But behind the glamour, the couple faced mounting legal issues. They were eventually charged with federal fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. Their rise to fame and fall from grace have kept fans and media outlets talking for years.

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The Legal Case That Changed Everything

In August 2019, Todd and Julie Chrisley were indicted on 12 federal charges, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. Prosecutors claimed the couple defrauded banks of over $30 million through fraudulent loans and failed to pay taxes on millions in income. Their trial took place in 2022, and they were found guilty on multiple counts.

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By June 2022, the Chrisleys were sentenced to a combined 19 years in prison. Todd was handed a 12-year sentence, while Julie received 7 years. They were also ordered to pay millions in restitution. Their legal team immediately appealed the decision, arguing that the prosecution had overstepped and that the trial was unfair.

Despite their appeals, the couple served more than two years in prison before receiving a full presidential pardon from Donald Trump in May 2025. The pardon came as a surprise to many, especially given the severity of their crimes and the usual criteria for presidential clemency.

The Presidential Pardon That Set Them Free

On May 15, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced he would be pardoning Todd and Julie Chrisley. The decision was confirmed by a White House official and shared with ABC News. Trump reportedly made the move after hearing about what he called the “unfair treatment” the couple had received during their legal proceedings.

The pardon erased their federal convictions and allowed them to walk free from prison. It also restored certain civil rights they had lost due to their felony convictions. Many critics questioned the timing and reasoning behind the pardon, especially with Trump’s re-election campaign in full swing. Supporters, however, argued it was a sign of compassion and a way to correct what they saw as judicial overreach.

What made the pardon even more unusual was that the Chrisleys had been serving their sentences at the time. Most pardons are granted after a sentence is completed or in cases where the person has served a significant portion. In this case, the couple was released early, which raised eyebrows in legal and political circles alike.

The $1 Million Georgia Settlement

In June 2024, the Chrisleys filed a civil lawsuit against a former business associate named Joshua. The suit claimed they were wrongfully targeted and that the legal battle drained their finances and ruined their reputations. The case went through the courts for nearly a year before a settlement was reached.

In June 2025, it was announced that Todd and Julie Chrisley would receive a $1 million settlement from the state of Georgia. The settlement marked the end of their legal dispute and gave the couple a fresh start financially. While the amount wasn’t nearly what they once had, it was a welcome relief after years of legal battles and prison time.

Some legal experts pointed out that the settlement didn’t necessarily mean the Chrisleys were innocent or that they had been treated unfairly. It was more of a way to avoid a lengthy and costly trial. Still, for Todd and Julie, it was a win they could finally celebrate after years of turmoil.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Todd and Julie Chrisley in prison?

The Chrisleys were sentenced to prison in 2022 after being found guilty of bank fraud, tax evasion, and conspiracy. They were accused of defrauding banks of more than $30 million through fake loan applications and failing to report millions in income.

Did Todd and Julie Chrisley get a pardon?

Yes, they were officially pardoned by former President Donald Trump in May 2025. The pardon was confirmed by a White House official and allowed them to be released from prison early.

What was the $1 million settlement about?

They received a $1 million settlement from the state of Georgia after filing a civil lawsuit against a former business associate named Joshua. The lawsuit claimed they were unfairly targeted and suffered financial and reputational damage.

For more updates on celebrity legal cases and pardons, Learn more about celebrity legal battles on our site.