Pawn Stars follows the Harrison family’s Las Vegas pawn shop, where they evaluate rare items and historical artifacts.
The History Channel series has made Rick Harrison, his son Corey “Big Hoss” Harrison, and employee Austin “Chumlee” Russell household names since 2009, giving millions of viewers an inside look at the pawn business.
However, legal troubles have affected multiple cast members in recent years.
From DUI arrests to drug charges and family lawsuits, these incidents have created confusion about who was arrested and why.
Each case involves different areas of law with varying consequences. Criminal charges, plea agreements, and civil litigation all follow distinct legal processes.
Pawn Stars Legal Cases: Who Faced Charges?
Two main cast members have faced arrest in recent years.
Corey Harrison was arrested for DUI in 2023.
Austin “Chumlee” Russell was arrested in 2016 on drug and weapons charges.
Rick Harrison, the shop’s owner, has not faced criminal charges, though he is involved in civil litigation with a family member.
Each case involves different legal circumstances and outcomes.
Corey’s case remains pending in the Nevada court system. Chumlee’s case was resolved in 2016 through a plea agreement. Rick’s situation involves civil law, not criminal proceedings.
A DUI arrest involves criminal charges for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drug possession cases involve charges related to illegal substances found in someone’s possession.
Civil lawsuits are private legal disputes that do not involve criminal penalties. Distinguishing between these legal categories is essential when evaluating the facts of each case.
Chumlee’s Arrest and Legal Outcome
Is Chumlee in jail? No, Austin Russell is not incarcerated.
This question comes up frequently in online searches. Russell completed all court-ordered requirements from his 2016 case and continues his role on the television series. He successfully finished probation without violations and no longer faces legal consequences from the 2016 charges.
Here’s what actually happened:
The 2016 Case: Law enforcement searched Russell’s residence during a sexual assault investigation. No assault charges were filed. Officers discovered controlled substances and firearms, leading to separate criminal charges for drug and weapons possession.
Legal Resolution: Russell entered a negotiated plea agreement to avoid incarceration:
- Guilty plea to felony weapons charge and misdemeanor drug possession
- Three years of supervised probation
- Mandatory counseling sessions
- Regular probation check-ins
- Compliance with all legal requirements (violations could have resulted in imprisonment)
Final Outcome: Russell successfully completed all probation conditions without violations and served no jail time. He continues working on Pawn Stars with no pending criminal charges and faces no further legal consequences from this case.
Pawn Star Arrested for DUI: Corey Harrison Case
Corey Harrison’s 2023 arrest brought fresh attention to legal troubles among the Pawn Stars cast members.
Unlike Chumlee’s resolved case, this situation remains active in the court system. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police stopped Corey during a nighttime traffic stop.
Officers reported several concerning signs, including bloodshot, watery eyes, a strong smell of alcohol, unsteady movements, and failed field sobriety tests.
Police arrested him on suspicion of driving under the influence and took him to the Clark County Detention Center for booking and processing.
Harrison spent eight hours at the detention center, which is standard for Nevada DUI arrests, before being released on his own recognizance without bail payment.
The case remains pending with Harrison entering a not guilty plea and maintaining the presumption of innocence under U.S. law. His defense team may challenge evidence, question procedures, or negotiate with prosecutors.
Nevada DUI penalties for first-time convictions include:
- 2 days to 6 months imprisonment (or community service)
- Fines of $400-$1,000
- 185-day license suspension
- Legal blood alcohol limit: 0.08% for standard drivers
Harrison’s case follows standard Nevada criminal procedure regardless of his public status.
Rick Harrison Legal Battle: Mother vs Son Lawsuit
Rick Harrison has not faced criminal charges or arrest.
His legal situation involves civil litigation filed by his mother, Joanne Harrison, in 2022. Civil cases address private disputes between parties and do not result in criminal penalties like imprisonment or criminal records.
Key lawsuit allegations include:
- Rick coerced her into transferring the majority of business ownership while hospitalized
- Stopped her monthly $3,000 allowance without explanation
- Failed to provide financial records of business assets
- Excluded her from major business decisions
Rick’s legal team denies all allegations, claiming ownership transfers were legitimate and properly handled.
They suggest outside parties influenced Joanne’s decision to pursue litigation.
The case centers on contract interpretation and business ownership rights, with potential outcomes including financial settlement, court determination of ownership rights, or case dismissal.
Rick faces no criminal consequences regardless of the civil case outcome.
The Bottom Line
The legal situations involving the Pawn Stars cast members demonstrate how different areas of law function.
Corey Harrison’s DUI case remains pending with no conviction entered. Austin Russell completed all court-ordered requirements from his case and faces no ongoing consequences.
Rick Harrison has not been subject to criminal charges, though he remains involved in civil litigation.
These cases illustrate important legal principles. Criminal charges require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and civil lawsuits involve private disputes that do not create criminal liability. Legal procedures apply consistently regardless of public status.
Have you followed these Pawn Stars legal cases? Share what surprised you most in the comments.
