Todd and Julie Chrisley, the once-glamorous reality TV stars of Chrisley Knows Best, saw their luxurious lifestyle come crashing down after their 2022 convictions for bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. They were sentenced to federal prison and ordered to pay a staggering $17 million in restitution.
But what happens after they get out of prison? Will they be able to reclaim their fortune, or will their financial troubles follow them for the rest of their lives? Let’s take a deep dive into what the Chrisleys will face once they’re released.
The Chrisleys’ Forfeiture and Restitution: Breaking Down the Numbers
The financial penalties against Todd and Julie Chrisley are twofold:
- Forfeiture: The government seizes assets linked to their crimes under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 32.2(b)(3). This includes money, properties, and valuables obtained through fraud.
- Restitution: Unlike forfeiture (which benefits the government), restitution is money paid back to victims, such as banks and the IRS. This is a legally binding debt that cannot be erased by bankruptcy.
How Much Do They Owe?
- Total Restitution: Originally, the Chrisleys were jointly responsible for paying $17,270,741.57 in restitution.
- Julie’s Individual Obligation: After a resentencing adjustment, Julie’s personal responsibility was reduced to $4.7 million.
This means that the full $17 million still needs to be repaid, but Julie is only responsible for a portion of it.
Who Gets Paid First?
The restitution money will be used to pay off:
- Banks that lost money due to the Chrisleys’ fraudulent loans.
- The IRS for unpaid taxes and penalties.
- Any other victims identified in the case.
If the Chrisleys fail to make payments, the government has the power to garnish wages, seize new assets, or freeze their bank accounts.
What Happens When They Leave Prison?
Their legal and financial troubles won’t disappear after they serve their time. The government has structured multiple safeguards to ensure they fulfill their obligations.
1. Supervised Release – Life Under Government Watch
Once released, the Chrisleys will be placed on supervised release, similar to probation. This means:
- They must check in regularly with a probation officer.
- They need court approval for large financial transactions.
- They are prohibited from engaging in fraudulent financial activities.
If they fail to follow these conditions, they could be sent back to prison.
2. Can They Earn Money Again?
Despite their conviction, the Chrisleys still have a strong public presence, and there’s a possibility they’ll try to cash in on their notoriety. But the government can intercept their earnings.
- If they write a book, host a podcast, or land a new reality show, a portion of their income can be garnished.
- Any financial deals they make will likely be monitored by the court.
- The government can seize new assets if they try to hide money.
3. Will They Ever Be Debt-Free?
The Chrisleys’ restitution debt is long-term and will remain until fully repaid. Even if they make millions after prison, the government has the right to:
- Take a percentage of their earnings.
- Confiscate future tax refunds.
- Monitor bank accounts and financial transactions.
If they fail to make payments, the government can impose additional penalties or even reincarcerate them.
Will Family Members Help Pay Their Debt?
Their daughter, Savannah Chrisley, has publicly stated that she intends to help pay off her parents’ restitution. However, even with her financial support, the couple’s massive debt will take years or even decades to clear.
Savannah has been vocal about the challenges, even revealing in interviews that she is working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat. But the government will still require consistent payments from Todd and Julie themselves.
What About Their Credit and Business Future?
1. Ruined Credit – No More Luxury Loans
Since their conviction was for bank fraud, the Chrisleys are now considered high-risk borrowers. This means:
- They won’t qualify for traditional loans.
- Their credit scores are likely destroyed.
- They may struggle to rent or buy homes without upfront cash.
2. Business Restrictions – Can They Start Over?
While they can start new businesses, there will be major hurdles:
- Government Oversight: If they handle large sums of money, they may need court approval.
- Legal Limitations: They can’t engage in any business activities related to financial services.
- Trust Issues: Investors and banks won’t want to partner with convicted fraudsters.
Even if they try to rebrand and launch a new project, their financial past will follow them.
Final Thoughts: The Chrisleys’ Hard Road Ahead
The days of private jets, designer wardrobes, and multimillion-dollar mansions are over. Even after they walk out of prison, Todd and Julie Chrisley will carry a heavy financial burden for the rest of their lives.
- Their finances will be under strict government oversight.
- They must make restitution payments or face consequences.
- They can work, but a portion of their income will be seized.
If they want to rebuild their lives, they’ll have to earn money legally, stay out of trouble, and keep up with their financial obligations. Otherwise, they could find themselves back in the courtroom—or even back in prison.
What do you think? Will the Chrisleys ever recover from this, or is their luxurious lifestyle permanently over?
