Julie Chrisley’s Resentencing Judge Said She Doesn’t ‘Get a Pass from Criminal Conduct’

The judge for Julie Chrisley’s resentencing showed no leniency towards the former reality star.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Northern District of Georgia judge sent a firm message to Chrisley Knows Best alum, 51, while resentencing her to the same 84 months of prison she previously received, deeming her original punishment was sufficient in the tax evasion and fraud case.

During the hearing in downtown Atlanta, the judge said that she received letters from Julie’s daughter Savannah Chrisley and many other members of the family, as well as a licensed therapist for Grayson, 18, and Chloe, 11. The judge explained that in her experience, most cases do involve people with young children at home but many do not have the ability to provide the same resources — including access to therapy — as the Chrisleys do.

“I am concerned about the children but [with] all due respect, you don’t get a pass from criminal conduct because you’re a parent,” she said to Julie during the resentencing hearing.

After noting that her “sentence will not change,” the judge resentenced the former reality star to 84 months. She also denied a request from Julie’s attorney for her to self-report back to the jail in Kentucky after a 24-hour furlough.

Before receiving her ruling, Julie — who appeared unrecognizable as she donned brown hair — addressed the court, including her eldest children Savannah and Chase Chrisley, through tears. She apologized for her prior actions and how the legal matter has impacted her family.

“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 led us to where we are today,” Julie said before the court. “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. I’ve taken tests for new skills, such as driving a forklift and serving food in proper ways … 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,” she added.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Chrisley family’s representative and attorney for comment.

The Chrisley family matriarch was previously sentenced in November 2022 to seven years while her 55-year-old husband, Todd Chrisley, received a 12-year sentence for fraud and tax evasion. Despite their appeals process beginning that December, they still reported to prison in January 2023.

After their April 2024 appeal hearing, a judge granted Julie’s appeal, vacating her seven-year sentence in June due to insufficient evidence. Todd’s sentence was upheld.

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“We’re pleased that the Court agreed that Julie’s sentence was improper, but we’re obviously disappointed that it rejected Todd’s appeal,” the Chrisleys’ attorney Alex Little told PEOPLE in a statement.

“With this step behind us, we can now challenge the couple’s convictions based on the illegal search that started the case,” Little added. “The family appreciates the continued support they’ve received throughout this process. And they’re hopeful for more good news in the future.”