The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup—5 Shocking Details From Todd And Julie’s Presidential Pardon And New Reality

The "Chrisley Knows Best" chapter on federal prison has officially closed, but the family's reality television saga is far from over. As of December 2025, the biggest news surrounding Todd and Julie Chrisley is their stunning and unexpected release from federal custody in May 2025, thanks to a full Presidential Pardon. This dramatic turn of events, which saw the couple walk free after serving just over two years of their combined 19-year sentence for bank fraud and tax evasion, has catapulted them back into the public eye and onto a new reality platform to share their story.

The couple's sudden freedom has sparked intense curiosity about their time behind bars, the details of the pardon, and what life is like for the famously extravagant family now. They have already begun to share their harrowing experiences, detailing "inhumane" living conditions and health crises they allegedly faced while incarcerated, setting the stage for their next media venture.

Todd and Julie Chrisley: A Life of Reality TV, Real Estate, and Legal Drama

The Chrisley family rose to fame in 2014 with the premiere of their reality series, Chrisley Knows Best, which showcased the lavish lifestyle and humorous antics of the wealthy Georgia family.

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• Michael Todd Chrisley: Born April 6, 1969, Todd Chrisley is the patriarch known for his career as a real estate entrepreneur before becoming a reality television star. He was the central figure of the show, often portrayed as a demanding but loving father.
• Julie Chrisley (née Hughes): Born January 9, 1973, Julie is Todd's wife, whom he married in 1996. She was a co-star on the show and often depicted as the family’s grounded matriarch.
• The Conviction: In 2022, a federal jury found both Todd and Julie guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, wire fraud, and tax evasion. The charges stemmed from a scheme to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in loans.
• The Sentencing: Todd was originally sentenced to 12 years (144 months) in federal prison, and Julie was sentenced to 7 years (84 months). They were also ordered to serve three years of supervised release and pay $17.2 million in restitution. They reported to prison in January 2023.
• Children: The couple shares three children: Savannah, Chase, and Grayson. Todd also has two children from a previous marriage, Lindsie and Kyle. Their granddaughter, Chloe, is also a prominent figure in the family.

The Shocking May 2025 Presidential Pardon and Immediate Release

The legal saga took its most unexpected turn on May 27, 2025, when President Donald Trump granted full pardons to both Todd and Julie Chrisley. Their release from federal prison occurred the very next day, May 28, 2025. This act of clemency effectively vacated the remainder of their sentences, supervised release, and the massive restitution order, though the legal and financial implications of the pardon continue to be debated.

Todd was incarcerated at Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Pensacola, Florida, while Julie was serving her time at Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington, Kentucky. The pardon came after the couple had served approximately 28 months, cutting years off their original release dates (Todd was set for 2033, Julie for 2028).

The pardon was a major political and media event, as President Trump had not previously met the couple. The family, especially daughter Savannah Chrisley, had been vocal about their parents' plight, consistently arguing for their innocence and fighting for their release.

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Behind the Bars: The 'Inhumane' Prison Conditions They Escaped

In the immediate aftermath of their release, the Chrisleys did not shy away from detailing the challenging and often "inhumane" conditions they endured while incarcerated. These accounts serve as a stark contrast to their former opulent lifestyle and have become a key element of their post-prison narrative.

Todd Chrisley, in particular, described his facility as "filthy" and alleged that inmates were given expired food. The transition from a luxury mansion to the stark reality of a federal prison camp was a difficult adjustment for the real estate mogul.

Julie Chrisley's Health Crisis and Black Mold Claims

Julie Chrisley's experience at FMC Lexington was reportedly even more severe, with her health taking a significant toll. She revealed that she developed a lung condition during her time in prison, which she directly attributed to the conditions of the facility.

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• Black Mold: The couple claimed they were kept in areas with black mold and other unsafe living conditions.
• Health Deterioration: Julie stated that the conditions took a physical toll on her body, leading to a "deteriorating" state of health.
• Rattlesnakes and No A/C: Their children, including Chase Chrisley, had previously spoken out, describing the facilities as a "nightmare" that included no air conditioning and the presence of rattlesnakes.
• Life Inside: Despite the hardships, a former inmate who served with Julie revealed she bonded with others, participated in card games, and generally maintained a positive demeanor. Todd was known to have worked in the prison chapel for a time.

Life After Lockup: A New Reality Show and Public Vindication

The Chrisleys did not waste any time re-engaging with the public. Their first major appearance was in an ABC News Studios' *IMPACT x Nightline* special titled "The Chrisleys: Life After Lockup," which premiered shortly after their release. In this special, they opened up about their time behind bars and their surprise homecoming.

The couple is now focusing on their next reality television venture. The new show, which has been picked up by a major network, will focus on the family's life following their incarceration and their journey to rebuild their lives and public image. This new series will delve into the emotional and practical challenges of returning to a normal life after a high-profile conviction and a dramatic pardon.

Todd Chrisley has been particularly outspoken, stating that he does not "have an apology to give" regarding the past legal issues, suggesting a stance of continued vindication. The family's narrative is shifting from the glitz of their former show to a more serious, reflective, yet still dramatic portrayal of their resilience. Their return to television, coupled with the political nature of their release, ensures that the Chrisley family will remain one of the most talked-about entities in reality television for the foreseeable future.