On December 27, 2016, Corley was arrested and charged with first-degree domestic violence and pointing and presenting firearms at a person. Corley allegedly hit his wife, Heather Corley, in the face. The police report stated that Chris Corley then retrieved a handgun, which he pointed at Heather before stating that he would kill himself. Corley's children were present during the confrontation but were taken to their grandmother's residence by Heather after Chris went into the bedroom. Corley was indicted on the domestic violence and weapon charges by a grand jury on January 4, 2017. The indictment triggered an automatic suspension, effective immediately, from the South Carolina House of Representatives. Corley resigned from the state House on January 24, 2017. A resolution to expel Corley had been drafted following the indictment.