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Teresa Giudice, Joe Giudice Plead Guilty to Fraud Charges in Court, “Heartbroken” for Daughters

Joe and Teresa Giudice arrive at court in Newark, NJ on March 4, 2014
Real Housewives of New Jersey stars Teresa Giudice and husband Joe Giudice pleaded guilty to fraud charges in Newark federal court on March 4; both face prison time.

Harsh reality for Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice. As expected, the Real Housewives of New Jersey stars pleaded guilty to several mortgage and bankruptcy fraud charges on Tuesday, March 4.

The Giudices were reportedly both composed during their court appearance while pleading guilty to several counts of bankruptcy fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud, and failing to pay taxes. They are scheduled to be sentence on July 8. Joe, an Italian citizen, could face deportation.

"Today, I took responsibility for a series of mistakes I made several years ago," Teresa said in a statement to Us Weekly on Tuesday. "I have said throughout that I respect the legal process and thus I intend to address the court directly at sentencing. I will describe the choices I made, continue to take responsibility for my decisions, and express my remorse to Judge Salas and the publi."

"I am heartbroken that this is affecting my family — especially my four young daughters, who mean more to me than anything in the world," she continued. "Beyond this, I do not intend to speak specifically about the case outside of court, at the recommendation of my attorney and out of deference to the government and our legal system."

Related: PHOTOS: Stars at court

The Bravo reality stars were charged in a 41-count indictment on various fraud and tax charges back in July. They originally pled not guilty to two charges in November, but an insider confirmed to Us Weekly on March 1 that the couple arranged a plea agreement.

"The couple will plead guilty to several but not all 41 of the charges, and both will appear in court on Tuesday with their lawyers," a source told Us at the time.

Related: PHOTOS: Celebrity mugshots

According to NBC New York, Joe, 43, faces 37 to 46 months in prison, while Teresa faces 21 to 27 months. The couple are parents to four daughters: Gia, 13, Gabriella, 11, Milania, 9, and Audriana, 5.

Related: PHOTOS: Hellish Housewives romances

Before Giudice headed to court on Tuesday, the Bravo star took time to tweet her congratulations to Real Housewives of Atlanta star NeNe Leakes, who will be competing on season 18 of Dancing With the Stars. "Congrats @NeNeLeakes on DWTS!" she tweeted. "Can't wait to watch you. Xx."

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