You've probably seen the headlines swirling around social media or caught a snippet of a podcast clip and wondered: did the Chrisleys get released? It's a valid question. Todd and Julie Chrisley were the faces of USA Network for years, portraying a life of Southern opulence and strict parenting that felt almost too perfect to be true. As it turns out, the government thought it was a little too "perfect" as well.
Since they reported to federal prison in January 2023, the internet has been a breeding ground for rumors. One day there’s a "leaked" report that they’re coming home early; the next, a legal filing suggests they might be stuck behind bars for the long haul. Let's get the record straight right now. As of early 2026, Todd and Julie Chrisley have not been fully released from federal custody, though their legal situation has shifted significantly since they were first whisked away to their respective facilities.
The Reality of the Chrisley Release Dates
Todd Chrisley is currently serving his sentence at the Federal Prison Camp (FPC) Pensacola. Julie, meanwhile, has had a much more turbulent journey through the system, recently spending time at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Lexington. People often get confused because their sentences have actually been reduced since the original trial. This wasn't because of a sudden act of mercy, but rather due to a combination of good behavior credits and the application of the First Step Act.
Originally, Todd was handed a 12-year sentence. That’s a massive chunk of time. However, federal records now show his projected release date has moved up by nearly two years. Julie’s situation is even more complex. After an appeals court vacated her original seven-year sentence in 2024, citing a lack of evidence regarding her involvement in the early stages of the bank fraud conspiracy, she was re-sentenced.
Despite her legal team’s desperate pleas for home confinement or a drastically shortened term, the judge didn't exactly let her walk out the front door. She was handed 84 months again, though with time served and credits, her "out date" is much closer than her husband's.
Why everyone thinks they are already out
Social media is the biggest culprit here. Savannah Chrisley, the couple's daughter who has taken over guardianship of her younger siblings, is incredibly active on her podcast, Unlocked. She talks about her parents constantly. She shares updates, letters, and anecdotes. If you catch a stray clip of her saying, "I talked to my mom today," it’s easy to assume she means over the kitchen counter rather than through a monitored prison phone line.
There’s also the confusion regarding "administrative release" or "home confinement." Under the First Step Act, many non-violent offenders are eligible to finish the last 10% or six months of their sentence in a halfway house or at home. While Julie is rapidly approaching that window, she isn't "free" in the way fans of Chrisley Knows Best might imagine. She’s still under the thumb of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
The Legal Battle That Changed Everything
To understand why the question did the Chrisleys get released is so persistent, you have to look at the 2024 appellate ruling. This was a massive turning point. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals looked at the mountain of evidence and found a specific flaw in how the lower court handled Julie’s role.
The judges basically said, "Wait a minute." They couldn't find enough proof that Julie was part of the initial bank fraud scheme that started way back in 2006. Because the original sentencing was based on the total amount of money lost over the entire duration of the conspiracy, her "score" was technically wrong.
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Todd, however, wasn't so lucky. The court upheld his conviction entirely. They found plenty of evidence that he was the driving force behind the scheme to defraud community banks in the Atlanta area out of more than $30 million. They used the money to fund a lifestyle they couldn't afford, buying luxury cars and expensive clothes while allegedly telling banks they had millions in accounts that didn't exist.
Living conditions and the "Whistleblower" era
Todd hasn't exactly been a quiet inmate. He has been incredibly vocal about the conditions at FPC Pensacola. Through his lawyer, Jay Surgent, and his daughter Savannah, Todd has alleged everything from mold in the vents to "retaliation" from guards because of his fame.
Honestly, it’s a far cry from the manicured lawns of their Nashville mansion.
He’s claimed that the facility is plagued by plumbing issues and that the food is often expired. While the BOP generally denies these specific claims, citing their "commitment to safety and humane treatment," the Chrisleys have used their platform to shine a light on prison reform. It’s an interesting pivot. They went from being the ultimate consumers to being advocates for the incarcerated.
Whether you believe they are genuine or just trying to garner sympathy for an early release is up to you.
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Will They Ever Return to TV?
This is the million-dollar question. Even while they are behind bars, a new reality show has been in the works. It’s reportedly following the kids—Savannah, Chase, Grayson, and Chloe—as they navigate life without the patriarch and matriarch of the family.
But will Todd and Julie be on it? Not while they are in federal prison.
The BOP has very strict rules about conducting business or filming for profit while incarcerated. However, the moment they hit a halfway house, the rules change slightly. If they are released to home confinement, don't be surprised if cameras are waiting on the driveway the second they step out of the transport van. The "redemption arc" is a powerful trope in reality television, and the Chrisleys know how to play the media game better than almost anyone else in the industry.
The Financial Burden That Remains
Even if they were released tomorrow, the Chrisleys aren't exactly going back to a pile of gold. Part of their sentencing included a massive restitution order. They owe millions. The government has already been working to seize assets, and any future earnings from shows, books, or podcasts will likely be heavily garnished to pay back the banks they defrauded.
It’s a grim financial reality.
They also lost their iconic homes. The lifestyle that made them famous was built on a foundation of sand, and the tide has well and truly come in. When people ask did the Chrisleys get released, they often forget that "release" doesn't mean "back to normal." It means a long road of supervised release, massive debt, and a reputation that is permanently stained by a federal felony conviction.
What to Watch for in the Coming Months
If you are looking for the exact moment they walk free, you need to keep a close eye on the BOP inmate locator. It’s the only definitive source. Don't trust TikTok "breaking news" videos that use old footage of them on the red carpet.
Here is what is actually on the horizon:
- Julie’s Transition to a Halfway House: Given her shortened sentence and her status as a non-violent offender, she is the most likely candidate for an early transition to a residential reentry center (halfway house) in late 2025 or early 2026.
- Further Appeals: Todd’s legal team is still swinging. They are looking for any procedural error that could get him a new trial or a sentence reduction. It's a long shot, but they have the resources to keep fighting.
- The "First Step Act" Credits: Both Todd and Julie are earning time off for participating in prison programs. This can shave months off a sentence, but it's calculated dynamically. It’s not a one-time discount.
Navigating the Chrisley News Cycle
It is easy to get sucked into the drama. The Chrisley family has always been good at staying in the conversation. But the facts remain: they committed serious crimes, they were caught, and they are paying the price. The legal system moves slowly. It’s not a 30-minute episode with a tidy resolution at the end.
If you're following this story, the best thing you can do is look at the primary documents. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals opinions are public. The sentencing memos are public. They tell a much more detailed—and much more sobering—story than a 60-second social media clip ever could.
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Moving Forward
To stay informed on the actual status of their release without falling for clickbait, follow these steps:
- Check the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Website: Use the "Find an Inmate" tool. Search for Todd Chrisley (Register Number 72432-019) and Julie Chrisley (Register Number 72433-019). This is the only place with real-time projected release dates.
- Monitor the 11th Circuit Docket: Any new appeals or motions for compassionate release will show up here first.
- Verify via Reputable News Outlets: Stick to outlets that have court reporters on the ground in Atlanta or Nashville. If a headline sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Understand the Terms: Learn the difference between "vacated," "remanded," and "parole." Federal prison does not have parole, only "supervised release," which happens after the prison term is served.
The saga of the Chrisley family is far from over. While they haven't been released yet, the walls are slowly moving for Julie, while Todd remains hunkered down in Florida, fighting a legal battle that looks increasingly difficult to win. Reality TV might be on hold, but the real-life drama is still very much in production.