Teresa Giudice and Joe Giudice put on a united front outside of the United States District Court in Newark, New Jersey, on Tuesday, July 30. Arriving hand-in-hand, the Real Housewives of New Jersey stars appeared before Judge Cathy Waldor.
UPDATE: The Giudices were each released on $500,000 unsecured bail bonds. They must surrender their passports and they are not allowed to leave New York or New Jersey until their next hearing, which is scheduled for Aug. 14. During the hearing, it was also revealed that Joe, who was born in Italy, is not a legal U.S. citizen. An onlooker says the spouses "were very solemn" during the hearing, adding that there were "no tears" and "they were very professional."
One day earlier, the Bravo reality stars were charged in a 39-count indictment with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud.
Teresa, 41, and Joe, 43, of Montville Township, N.J., are accused of exaggerating their income while applying for loans before their show debuted in 2009, then hiding their improving fortunes in a bankruptcy filing after their first season aired. The spouses are also accused of submitting fraudulent mortgage and loan applications from 2001 to 2008.
On Monday, July 29, Teresa's attorney, Henry Klingeman, told Us Weekly, "Teresa will plead 'not guilty.' The judicial process that begins today with an indictment is a search for the truth. As it moves forward, we look forward to vindicating her." Joe's attorney, Miles Feinstein, echoed, "We're going to meet these charges and fight them."
That same day, the Fabulicious!: Fast & Fit cookbook author issued a statement to Us, saying, "Today is a most difficult day for our family. 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."
If convicted, the Giudices — parents to daughters Gia, 12, Gabriella, 10, Milania, 7, and Audriana, 3 — face more than 50 years in prison.
