Reality television couple Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley have initiated a civil lawsuit seeking more than $25 million in damages, accusing their former attorneys of serious misconduct that they claim contributed directly to their 2022 federal convictions in Georgia.
Filed on June 5 in the Northern District of Georgia in Atlanta, the complaint targets attorney Chris Anulewicz and the law firm Balch & Bingham, alleging what the couple describes as a “catastrophic, unforced error” during the high-profile tax and bank fraud trial.
Allegations of Legal Failures and Missed Evidence Challenges
At the center of the lawsuit is the claim that the defense team failed to properly challenge key evidence used by prosecutors, including material the Chrisleys argue was obtained unlawfully.
According to the filing, state investigators from the Georgia Department of Revenue conducted a warehouse search prior to the August 2019 indictment without a warrant.
The couple contends that this search produced emails, bank statements, and other financial records that became central to the prosecution’s case.
While their legal team reportedly succeeded in getting some derivative evidence excluded, the Chrisleys allege that crucial portions were never properly challenged or removed, ultimately shaping the jury’s decision.
Claims of Misrepresentation and Conflicts of Interest
The lawsuit goes beyond courtroom strategy, accusing the former legal team of overstating their experience and failing to properly handle a case of such magnitude.
The complaint alleges that Balch & Bingham presented itself as fully equipped to defend one of the most high-stakes federal prosecutions in the country, while Anulewicz allegedly had limited prior criminal defense experience before taking a leading role in the case.
The filing further claims that he was placed in charge due to the visibility of the Chrisley name and the business opportunities it brought, rather than his legal qualifications.
The couple also accuses Anulewicz of a conflict of interest, alleging he encouraged a $75,000 investment into a startup food truck business linked to a relative, while simultaneously representing them in their criminal defense.
Convictions, Prison Sentences, and High-Profile Pardons
Todd Chrisley and Julie Chrisley were convicted in 2022 of orchestrating what prosecutors described as a $30 million bank fraud and tax evasion scheme.
In early 2023, the couple began serving prison sentences totaling 17 years—Todd receiving 12 years (later reduced to 10), and Julie receiving seven years—at separate facilities in Florida and Kentucky.
Their time in custody ended abruptly in May 2025 when they were pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump, following sustained public campaigning for their release led in part by their daughter Savannah Chrisley.
Legal Pushback and Ongoing Fallout
The defendants in the malpractice suit have pushed back firmly.
Attorney Patrick O’Connor, representing Balch & Bingham, said the firm intends to contest the allegations “vigorously.”
The lawsuit adds another layer to a long-running legal saga that has already included a federal trial, prison sentences, and a presidential pardon.
During a past public appearance, Todd Chrisley maintained that he accepted no wrongdoing, stating he would only feel remorse if he had committed the crimes he was accused of.
With both sides now preparing for a renewed legal confrontation, the case has shifted from criminal court to a multimillion-dollar civil dispute—one that continues to keep the Chrisley family in the public spotlight.
