Why Todd and Julie Chrisley Received 12-Year and 7-Year Jail Sentences for Tax Fraud, Lawyer Explains (Exclusive)

todd chrisley53, is preparing to serve 12 years in federal prison after being convicted of tax fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion while his Chrisley knows best reality star wife, July, 49, was sentenced to just 7 years behind bars. After receiving the convictions in a Georgia federal court on Nov. 13, attorneys for the proud parents of Lindsie33, Kyle31, sheet25, To pursue26, grayson16 years old and adopted daughter, Chloe10, indicated that he wanted to appeal.

While the location of the prison and whether they will serve staggered sentences are still unknown, Todd and Julie will begin their combined 19-year sentence on Jan. 15, 2023, according to FoxNews5 in Atlanta, Georgia. So what if they appeal? Will they still have to go to jail or will they be able to sit out until the appeals process is complete? Why was Todd sentenced to 5 more years than his wife if both were convicted of acting together in his $30 million tax fraud scheme? hollywood life spoke to the LA attorney EXCLUSIVELY afonso provincial of Provinciano & Associati who answered all these questions and more.

Read below to find out what he had to say.

HollywoodLife: Why did Todd and Julie get such harsh sentences?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: Federal judges generally make their sentences based on federal sentencing guidelines, which primarily consider the seriousness of the criminal conduct and the criminal history of the defendant. Under the sentencing guidelines, the Chrisleys could have faced even more prison sentences if the judge decided to convict them under the guidelines.

HollywoodLife: Why was Julie sentenced to 7 years less than Todd?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: The ruling takes into account several factors, including who was the main culprit. It appears that Todd’s involvement in the couple’s financial affairs ran deeper than Julie’s. Not only was Todd’s sentence longer, but the recommendations of the prosecution and defendant’s attorneys would have seen Todd serve a longer sentence had the judge adopted them.

HollywoodLife: What was the maximum sentence you could have received?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors said Todd could serve up to 21 years in prison and Julie could serve up to 12 years under sentencing guidelines. Of course, the judge has some discretion to order a higher or lower sentence (as he eventually did) than the upper limit of the sentencing guidelines.

HollywoodLife: Did your inability to take responsibility impact your conviction?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: A judge typically takes into consideration factors such as whether a defendant has shown responsibility or remorse for their actions. If they haven’t, then yes, then that might have come into play.

HollywoodLife: Will they have to serve their entire sentence? If not, what is the minimum?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: They may not have to serve the full sentence because federal law allows for a reduction in a prisoner’s sentence for good behavior. But under current federal law and Bureau of Prisons regulations, they will still have to serve a minimum of about 85 percent of their sentence.

HollywoodLife: Can you describe what will happen if they appeal? What are the chances of this being overthrown?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: Most appeals are unsuccessful and there is a relatively high standard for winning an appeal in a criminal case. Some possible grounds for appeal include legal error, jury misconduct, and an ineffective attorney. It appears that the prosecution in this case has presented substantial evidence to support the criminal conviction, so I would argue that there is little chance of the decision being overturned.

HollywoodLife: Will they still have to go to jail on the same date if they appeal?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: In some cases, a federal judge may allow a defendant to post bail and stay out of jail while an appeal is pending. In general, the judge will consider whether the defendant is a danger or a flight risk and what the chances are of the appeal being successful.

HollywoodLife: Do you think they will serve staggered sentences?

Provincial lawyer: A court may offer leniency in sentencing, and the judge in this case may or may not have considered the fact that Todd and Julie have children to care for. In some cases, a judge will allow co-defendants with children to serve staggered sentences, so that one parent can continue to care for the children while the other serves their sentences.

HollywoodLife: What if they don’t get staggered sentences?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: If both parents are required to serve their sentences at the same time, they will have to make alternative custody arrangements, such as placing them with a family member or close friend. If no arrangements are made for the children, the child welfare system may become involved and the children may be placed in foster care. If the Chrisleys are forced to serve sentences at the same time, Savannah Chrisley could take her brothers into custody.

HollywoodLife: What kind of prison will they be put in?

Provincial Prosecutor’s Office: Due to the non-violent nature of their crimes and lack of criminal records, Todd and Julie could very well end up in a minimum security prison often referred to as “camps”. While serving a sentence in a minimum security prison is much less severe than in a maximum security prison, it is still a prison and not a cakewalk.

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