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*BY CHRISTINA HONAN*
“Real Housewives” stars Teresa and Joe Giudice were freed Tuesday, each out on $500,000 bonds after surrendering to federal authorities in their fraud case.
TMZ caught the couple on camera leaving court after hearing their 39-count indictment and reports under terms of their bail, they are restricted to New York and New Jersey.
The Giudices had to surrender their passports. The article adds that Joe faces a few extra legal troubles, as it turns out he is not a US citizen and thus is subject to drug testing as a part of the proceedings. He was born in Italy.
The couple is accused of exaggerating their income while applying for loans before their reality show aired in ‘09. After that they allegedly hid their improving fortunes in a bankruptcy filing after the show’s first season. (Via Bravo)
Monday, Teresa’s lawyer said she would plead not guilty to the charges. Joe hired a different lawyer. As for what’s next for the reality stars, legal analysts on Fox News predict jail time... for both of them.
“They were fast and loose with the truth. ... They are facing prison, not 30 or so years they might do by adding it up. ... Cases like this are often resolved by the husband taking most of the heat.”
Hollywood Life has some of the statement Teresa made in court, where she said she “supports” her husband and will stand by him, which prompted the writer to ask...
“ … does she realize that she could be going to jail too?”
A writer for Reality Tea thinks that between the statement and the separate attorneys, all signs point to Teresa pointing at Joe.
“Not actually blame him, but as a legal ploy claim he is responsible and she had no idea what was going on so that she can hopefully plead down to a fine and probation.”
And it wouldn’t be the first time trying that for Teresa. When the couple publicly faced financial trouble a few years ago, she claimed ignorance about the whole thing including just how much debt they were in, saying:
*“Joe didn't want to worry me. He didn't tell me at first because he thought things were going to get better.” *(Via People)
“Real Housewives” network Bravo has not yet released a statement on the duo’s legal battle. An arraignment has been set for August 14th. Reported by Newsy 1 hour ago.