Julie Chrisley’s Attorney Calls Bias After Resentencing

The lack of leniency in Julie Chrisley’s case stems from prejudice against celebrities as far as her legal rep is concerned.

The “Chrisley Knows Best” alum’s lawyer did not mince his words against the judge, who denied his client a 24-hour furlough and refused her resentencing appeal. The attorney believed the verdict served as a warning to other stars.

Julie Chrisley’s legal woes began in 2019 after she and her husband, Todd Chrisley, were indicted on fraud and tax evasion charges. They received a combined 19-year sentence in 2022 and reported to their respective prisons by January 2023.

One of Julie’s defense attorneys, Jay Surgent, addressed her failed resentencing case in a heated statement. He believed the judge showed his client no leniency because of her celebrity status.

He claimed that as a former reality TV star, millions knew Julie and the judge allegedly used her as a scapegoat to warn others. Surgent argued that there was no need to make an example out of his client.

The legal rep noted that Julie had been a model inmate and was not a threat to society. The outcome naturally left a bitter taste in her mouth, with Surgent echoing his client’s disappointment and her will to seek justice.

Julie, per her attorney, would appeal the resentencing. Surgent noted that she believed everything would work out, telling TMZ that neither she nor Todd were letting the rejection break their wills, and their marriage was stronger than ever.

The resentencing drama began on Wednesday, September 25. The Blast reported that Julie had an emotional episode at the downtown Atlanta court. The judge determined that the original 7-year sentence would stand.

The legal umpire noted she had received letters from Julie’s family, including her daughter Savannah, a licensed therapist for her son Grayson, and granddaughter Chloe.

While she was concerned about Julie’s loved ones, the judge stressed that most cases did not involve families privileged to have therapy like the Chrisleys. Therefore, the inmate could not “get a pass from criminal conduct” because of her status as a mother.

The months behind bars had done a number on Julie, who was remorseful during her hearing. She tearfully apologized for her wrongdoings to the court before addressing her older children, Savannah and Chase, who were in attendance.

“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,” Julie told the court, adding:

“I have spent 20 months in prison, but it has been much more leading up to the trial, and I apologize for my actions that led to where we are today.”

“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,” Julie concluded, noting she had been learning new skills to get closer to her family.

Julie’s attempt to get her 7-year sentence reduced began in June, with The Blast sharing that a federal appeal judge had ordered the verdict to be tossed. Their judgment was based on the legal error in her original sentencing.

The fraud and tax evasion trial Judge who sentenced Julie in 2022 incorrectly calculated her sentence. She was held liable for the entire bank fraud scheme instead of her role as an accomplice.

Part of the court documents revealed that the district court must address “what the proper loss amount attributable to Julie is for the purposes of the base offense level, restitution, and forfeiture.” Additionally, it must make factual findings about the timeline of her involvement.

Julie’s fall from grace began in August 2019 when a federal grand jury indicted her and her husband, Todd, on multiple fraud and tax evasion charges.

The list included one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, five counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, and one count of tax fraud.

Julie was charged with one count of wire fraud and one count of obstruction of justice. She and Todd were also ordered to pay $17.8 million in damages, but the real punishment came in 2022 with the combined 19-year sentence.

Will Julie Chrisley be able to convince the court to reduce her sentence?