JULIE Chrisley’s lawyer has vowed to appeal an Atlanta judge’s decision to uphold his client’s seven-year sentence for fraud and tax evasion.
Julie, 51, appeared in United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta on September 25 for her resentencing.
The Chrisley Knows Best star was resentenced to 84 months in prison, the same sentence she received in November 2022, because Judge Eleanor Louise Ross believed the original ruling was “sufficient.”
In an exclusive interview with New Jersey-based lawyer Jay V. Surgent on Julie’s legal team, he insisted they will “not give up” and plan to appeal the “disappointing” resentencing.
“I am saddened by this decision. I think it was harsh. I think it was unreasonable,” Surgent exclusively told The U.S. Sun.
“Besides the fact that she’s been a model inmate, her health problems and her situation at home, she should be treated as a regular defendant, which I don’t think she is because of her notoriety. I really do think it’s because of her fame.”
Surgent is referring to a tumor scare while in prison. Julie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and underwent double mastectomy. She also underwent a hysterectomy in 2013.
“I think the 11th Circuit sent a clear message,” Surgent continued. “I just feel as though the judge exercised some bias against Julie. I do think she was trying to make an example of her because of her status. The higher profile a person is, the more example the courts, State or Federal, like to make of that person.
“I believe she was entitled to less than 60 months. She should’ve gotten three to four years maximum. I really honestly believe that.
“I just don’t see the benefit of Julie getting a seven-year sentence. What does it do for rehabilitation? It’s not a violent, sex or drug crime, we’re dealing with money.”
Surgent noted how Judge Ross reduced Julie’s restitution from $17.2 million to $4.7 million at the hearing despite upholding her sentence.
“The amount of money usually serves as the foundation for what a person will be sentenced to. Money has to be reimbursed, how is she going to pay restitution when she’s sitting in Lexington, Kentucky?”
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NOT GIVING UP
Surgent is confident an appeal will be “successful.”
“We are going to appeal. I think she didn’t get a fair evaluation of her circumstances. That is an unfortunate situation. We know it will take a couple of months.
“If it turns out the 11th Circuit doesn’t reverse her decision but remands it, I think it should be remanded back to another Federal District Court judge within Atlanta to reconsider her resentencing.
We are not giving up”
Attorney Jay V. Surgent
“It’s very possible we may ask for a new judge when we file the appeal for resentencing. Being treated the way she is, I really think she has not been served justice. I think she should’ve been treated equally like any other defendant.
“She wasn’t asking for anything special because she is on TV. She’s a human being with medical problems and kids sitting at home.
“We’re disappointed, but her daughter Savannah and the rest of the legal defense team are still hopeful. I am almost positive the 11th Circuit will reconsider what Judge Ross ruled.
“We are not giving up.”
DAY IN COURT
People reported Julie spoke at the resentencing, as she said through tears, “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 let us to where we are today.
“I’ve had 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.
“I have done everything I can do to get closer to my family. 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.”
Surgent said of his client’s statement, “I’m glad she apologized. It’s important she apologized. I haven’t spoken to her, but I can imagine she is down and depressed and not happy. She’s on a long ride back to Lexington.”
BEHIND BARS
Julie is serving her seven-year prison sentence at FMC Lexington in Kentucky.
Her husband, Todd, received a 12-year sentence for fraud and tax evasion and is currently serving his time at Pensacola FPC in Florida.
Todd, 55, and Julie filed to appeal the case in December 2022.
Regarding his appeal, his sentence was upheld.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Julie’s children Savannah, 27, and Chase, 28, appeared at the resentencing.
Savannah said following the hearing, “What has happened is an injustice. I will continue to fight for my parents.
“And I will be as loud as I can possibly be because the judge clearly showed today that she was using my outspokenness to change a system that is so broken.”
Todd and Julie are also parents to son Grayson, 18.
The Chrisley patriarch is a father to Kyle, 33, and Lindsie, 34, from a previous marriage.
He is also a grandfather to Kyle’s daughter Chloe, 11, who is under Savannah’s care.
