REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NJ Stars Return to Court Today

Teresa and Joe Giudice, stars of Bravo TV's REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY are back in court today. The beleagured couple is due to enter a plea before a federal judge regarding recent fraud charges. Both are expected to plead 'not guilty.'

The Giudice's were charged on Monday, July 29th in a conspiracy to defraud lenders and illegally obtain mortgages and other loans as well as allegedly hiding assets and income during a bankruptcy case. They appeared in federal court in Newark at the time but did not enter a plea to the charges. Both paid a $500,000 unsecured bail bond. Judge Cathy Waldor, who believed the Giudices posed a flight risk, ruled that they had to hand over their passports and follow imposed travel restrictions. They are now only allowed to travel in New Jersey and New York State.

The proceedings also revealed that Joe Giudice is not actually an American citizen. This means he may face deportation back to his native Italy if convicted of the charges.

Bankruptcy fraud counts each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, while the failure to file a tax return counts each carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

Giudice, who first gained the attention of television viewers by flipping a restaurant table during a heated argument with a castmate, released a statement via Twitter, telling her fans, " I support Joe and, as a wonderful husband and father, I know he wants only the best for our lovely daughters and me. I am committed to my family and intend to maintain our lives in the best way possible, which includes continuing my career. As a result, I am hopeful that we will resolve this matter with the Government as quickly as possible."

Source: USA Today

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