What the record says about the pardon
As of the latest publicly available federal records, Todd and Julie Chrisley were granted a full pardon by the President of the United States in 2024. This explainer clarifies what that action changed, what it did not change, and how this status differs from a commutation, expungement, or simple release from confinement. Below you will find verified details about their convictions, original sentences, the pardon itself, and remaining civil disabilities, if any.
Background on the convictions
Todd Chrisley, the founder of Chrisley Knows Best, and his daughter Julie Chrisley were convicted in federal court on multiple counts including tax evasion and bank fraud. Todd was convicted in 2021 following a trial that addressed fraudulent filings and misreporting of income. Julie was also convicted on related charges stemming from the same conduct. Their initial sentences were handed down in 2022 and included lengthy terms of incarceration, supervised release, and substantial financial penalties.
Original sentences at a glance
| Person | Convictions | Imprisonment sentence (final ordered) | Supervised release | Fine and restitution (approximate) | Date of sentencing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Todd Chrisley | Tax evasion, bank fraud, structuring, making false statements | 12 years | 3 years | ~$1.6M combined fines/restitution | 2022 |
| Julie Chrisley | Tax evasion, bank fraud, false statements | 7 years | 2 years | ~$400K fines/restitution | 2022 |
What is a presidential pardon
A presidential pardon is an executive action that forgives the recipient for a federal offense after conviction. It does not erase the conviction from the record in the way an expungement or sealing would; rather, it restores certain civil rights, removes some collateral consequences, and serves as a formal act of clemency. Unlike a commutation, which reduces sentence but does not absolve the underlying conviction, a pardon acknowledges conviction and relieves the individual from the remaining legal disabilities imposed by that conviction where applicable.
Pardon vs. commutation: quick comparison
- Pardon: Forgiveness of the offense; restoration of civil rights in many cases; conviction remains on record but is forgiven.
- Commutation: Reduction of a sentence only; conviction remains unchanged; no restoration of rights beyond time served.
- Expungement: Legal erasure or sealing of records in many jurisdictions, which may allow the person to treat the event as if it never occurred for most purposes.
Pardons for Todd and Julie Chrisley: what we know
In 2024, multiple credible news sources reported that the President issued full pardons to both Todd and Julie Chrisley. The pardons addressed all federal convictions obtained from the case stemming from their business and tax filings. As a result, the remaining prison terms were nullified, supervised release obligations terminated, and civil rights—such as voting and firearm ownership rights in applicable states—restored where permitted by law. The pardons did not affect any state-level charges in states where separate prosecutions might still apply; those matters are governed by state law and remain independent of the federal action.
Restoration of rights and collateral consequences
For federal convictions, a pardon typically restores many civil rights lost upon conviction, including the right to vote in federal elections and the right to hold federal office. It may also restore certain state rights, depending on state law. Importantly, while a pardon acknowledges the underlying conviction, it does not automatically expunge court records; in many jurisdictions, the conviction remains visible but is accompanied by a statement of forgiveness. Firearm rights may be restored only if explicitly included in the pardon, so individuals should check with the relevant state authorities if they seek to possess weapons. Employment and licensing barriers may decrease but are not fully eliminated, as employers and licensing boards can still consider pardoned convictions in their decisions.
Frequently asked questions
- Did the pardon erase the convictions from the record? No. A pardon forgives the offense but generally does not expunge or seal the court records. The convictions may still appear in background checks but are accompanied by the pardon notation.
- Can Todd and Julie Chrisley now own firearms? A federal pardon may restore federal firearm rights, but state laws vary. Some states require additional steps to fully restore those rights. They should consult state-specific guidance before acquiring or possessing firearms.
- Were they released from prison as part of the pardon? Yes. The pardons nullified their remaining sentences, resulting in their release from federal custody at the time of the pardons.
- Do the pardons apply to state charges? Federal pardons do not affect state prosecutions or state convictions. Any remaining state matters are handled separately under state law.
- What is the difference between this and a commutation? A commutation would have reduced their sentences but left the convictions in place. A pardon forgives the convictions and can restore rights, whereas a commutation only addresses the duration of imprisonment.
Key takeaways
The 2024 presidential pardon for Todd and Julie Chrisley resolves their federal prison sentences and restores many civil rights, but it does not wipe the legal history of their convictions from public view. Understanding the distinction between a pardon, a commutation, and expungement is essential for interpreting what this action means for their ongoing rights and obligations. Going forward, they may reenter certain civic roles more fully, though practical barriers related to employment, licensing, and state law can persist.
Evergreen considerations
This status clarification remains relevant as long as pardoned individuals navigate life after conviction. Readers seeking to understand the real-world effects of a pardon, how it compares to other remedies, and what it means for civil rights will find this explanation durable. The information below reflects federal actions as of 2024 and does not anticipate changes to state law or individual circumstances that may evolve on a case-by-case basis.