How Long Will Real Housewives' Star Teresa Giudice Serve In Jail?
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Teresa Giudice has been sentenced to 15 months in jail by a federal judge but, if she behaves in jail, she could be out in 12 months,
The judge in the case had considered probation, but ultimately decided that jail time was needed.
"For a moment I thought about probation ... but I think a period of confinement is absolutely necessary in this case," the judge told Teresa, according to People. "I don't honestly believe that you understand or respect the law.
I need to send a message. In the eyes of the law, it doesn't matter who you are. There are consequences to pay."
Judge Esther Salas also sentenced her husband, Joe Giudice, to 41 months in jail but took the unusual step of allowing him to serve his time after his wife completes hers so there would be one parent available to raise the couple's children.
"You're a devoted mother," the judge told Teresa. "You have no criminal history. You've paid your taxes. Those girls need their mother at this critical age in their lives. There's a bond between a mother and a daughter."