Behind the cameras of Pawn Stars, the drama isn’t just limited to rare collectibles.
The show’s cast, including Rick Harrison, his son Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, and Austin “Chumlee” Russell, has found themselves embroiled in real-life legal battles that have affected their personal lives and careers.
From Corey’s 2023 DUI arrest to Chumlee’s 2016 felony charges, these legal troubles have captivated fans just as much as the treasures in the pawn shop. Meanwhile, Rick Harrison faces an ongoing civil lawsuit filed by his mother.
This blog serves as a tracker of all the legal cases surrounding the Pawn Stars cast, providing detailed updates, legal outcomes, and what’s next for each case.
Last updated: February 2026.
Quick Summary: Pawn Stars Arrests and Legal Cases
| Cast Member | Legal Issue | Date | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austin “Chumlee” Russell | Arrest after home search tied to investigation | March 9, 2016 | Drug possession, weapons charges | Plea deal, probation, no jail |
| Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison | DUI arrest in Las Vegas | September 2023 | DUI | Case still pending |
| Rick Harrison | A civil lawsuit was filed by his mother | 2022 | Civil dispute (not criminal) | Lawsuit status ongoing, no criminal charges |
Pawn Stars Legal Cases: Who Faced Charges?
In recent years, three prominent cast members of Pawn Stars have had their legal battles:
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Corey Harrison was arrested in 2023 for DUI.
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Austin “Chumlee” Russell faced drug and weapons charges in 2016.
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Rick Harrison, the shop’s owner, has not faced any criminal charges but is currently involved in a civil lawsuit filed by his mother.
Each case is unique, involving different areas of law, including criminal and civil law. Let’s break down the details of each situation.
Chumlee’s Arrest and Legal Outcome
Is Chumlee in jail?
No, Austin Russell is not incarcerated. Although many fans still wonder about his legal troubles, Chumlee’s 2016 arrest was resolved without jail time. Here’s a breakdown of the events:
The 2016 Case: During a sexual assault investigation, law enforcement searched Chumlee’s home and found controlled substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana, along with firearms.
These findings led to 20 felony counts related to drug possession, weapons charges, and other violations. However, no assault charges were filed.
The Legal Resolution: Chumlee negotiated a plea deal to avoid jail time:
- Guilty plea to a felony weapons charge
- Guilty plea to misdemeanor drug possession
- Three years of probation
- Mandatory counseling and regular check-ins
Outcome: Russell successfully completed his probation without any violations and remains free of legal consequences.
Similar to Paris Hilton’s jail story and life after prison, Chumlee’s legal troubles didn’t keep him down for long, as he returned to Pawn Stars after completing his probation.
Corey Harrison DUI Arrest (2023): What Happened?
Corey Harrison’s 2023 DUI arrest has drawn attention to ongoing legal issues surrounding the Pawn Stars cast. This case is still active and has not yet been resolved.
The Arrest: During a routine traffic stop, Harrison was arrested for DUI after officers noticed signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes and a strong smell of alcohol. He failed field sobriety tests and was taken to the Clark County Detention Center.
Legal Process: Harrison’s defense has entered a not guilty plea, and his team may challenge evidence or negotiate a deal with prosecutors. He remains innocent until proven guilty.
Potential Penalties: In Nevada, first-time DUI convictions could result in:
- Jail time (2 days to 6 months), or community service
- Fines between $400-$1,000
- A 185-day license suspension
Is Corey Harrison in jail?
No, he was released after processing and has not served jail time related to the DUI.
Much like Robert Downey Jr.’s prison to Iron Man story, Corey Harrison’s DUI arrest hasn’t stopped him from continuing his role on Pawn Stars, with legal matters still unfolding.
Rick Harrison’s Civil Lawsuit: No Criminal Charges, But Legal Drama
Was Rick Harrison arrested?
No, Rick Harrison has not faced any criminal charges. His legal woes come in the form of a civil lawsuit filed by his mother, Joanne Harrison, in 2022.
Key Allegations:
- Rick allegedly coerced his mother into transferring the majority of business ownership while she was hospitalized.
- He reportedly cut off her $3,000 monthly allowance without explanation.
- Rick’s mother claims she was excluded from major business decisions and that Rick failed to provide financial records of the business.
Rick’s Defense: Rick’s legal team denies all allegations, arguing that the ownership transfers were legitimate. They claim that outside influence may have led Joanne to pursue this lawsuit.
Civil Litigation: This is a private legal dispute between family members that may involve a financial settlement, a court decision on ownership rights, or a case dismissal. However, no criminal penalties will be involved regardless of the case’s outcome.
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Timeline of Legal Events 2016: Chumlee arrested on drug and weapons charges following a home search during a sexual assault investigation. ↓ 2022: Rick Harrison’s mother files a civil lawsuit over business ownership and financial matters. ↓ 2023: Corey Harrison was arrested for DUI; the case is still pending in court. |
How Legal Troubles Affected Pawn Stars?
Legal troubles have certainly affected Pawn Stars. From temporary absences to shifting family dynamics, these cases have subtly shaped the show.
Chumlee: After his 2016 arrest, Chumlee took a brief hiatus from filming, but returned once his legal matters were resolved. His absence didn’t significantly affect the show’s ratings, which remained strong. Hollywood Reporter noted that the show continued to perform well during his break.
Corey Harrison: Corey’s 2023 DUI arrest has not affected filming, and he has not taken time off. The case hasn’t influenced ratings, which have stayed steady. Pawn Stars continues to enjoy strong viewership, as Variety reports.
Rick Harrison: While Rick’s ongoing lawsuit with his mother has sparked public interest, it hasn’t caused any production delays or time off. The show’s ratings have remained unaffected, despite the controversy.
Disclaimer:The information shared here is based on publicly available sources and current estimates. This content is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as exact or official data.
The Bottom Line
The legal issues surrounding the Pawn Stars cast members offer a glimpse into how personal troubles can impact public figures.
While Corey Harrison’s DUI case remains active, Austin “Chumlee” Russell has successfully moved past his 2016 charges, completing probation without further consequences.
Rick Harrison, though not facing criminal charges, continues to battle a civil lawsuit from his mother over business matters.
As each of these cases unfolds, they remind us that behind the camera, cast members face the same real-world challenges as anyone else.
Fans will undoubtedly continue to follow the developments, with updates shaping the future of both the individuals involved and the beloved show. Keep an eye out for new developments in these ongoing legal cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Chumlee Lose His Job at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop After His Arrest?
No, Chumlee kept his position at Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Rick Harrison supported him throughout, and he returned to work after completing his probation successfully.
Has Pawn Stars Been Cancelled Because of The Cast’s Legal Troubles?
No, Pawn Stars remains on air with strong ratings on the History Channel. The cast’s legal issues haven’t impacted production, renewals, or the show’s continued popularity with viewers.
Did Richard Harrison Have Any Legal Problems Before His Death?
Richard Harrison had no publicized legal troubles during his Pawn Stars tenure or pawn business career. He remained controversy-free until his death in 2018 at age eighty-seven.
Are There Any Other Pawn Stars Cast Members with Legal Issues?
No other main cast members have faced notable legal troubles. Only Chumlee’s criminal case, Corey’s DUI, and Rick’s civil lawsuit represent significant legal issues among the primary cast.
How Did Chumlee’s Legal Troubles Affect His Net Worth and Income?
Legal fees and fines temporarily impacted Chumlee’s finances. However, his continued employment at the pawn shop and ongoing television appearances maintained his relatively stable income throughout the ordeal.
