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Teresa Giudice Talks Legal Trouble: "I Can't Just Be Upset"

Joe & Teresa Giudice

Credit: Photo by: Mike Coppola/Getty Images

In just about two months, Teresa and Joe Giudice will appear in court to face the 41 charges of fraud against them. Until then, though, the couple and their family are trying to live life as normally as usual.

“I can’t just be upset and crawl up in a ball and just go in a room and — and lock the door,” the reality star told ABC News. “I can’t. I’m a mom. I have four daughters.”

Over the summer, it was alleged that the Real Housewive of New Jersey stars engaged in several different types of fraud between 2001-2011. “I would love to answer all your questions, and one day I will,” Teresa said. “But, you know, out of respect for the process, I’m going to let, you know, the legal matters play out in court.”

Teresa and Joe pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, and have requested to have separate trials. If a judge grants this request, Joe will be able to (and says he plans to) testify that his wife wasn’t involved. If found guilty, though, they both face up to 50 years in prison.

“My oldest [daughter] does know something’s going on,” the 41-year-old added, of her 13-year-old. “But, you know, we say, ‘Mommy and Daddy, you know, have a legal team that’s handling it.'”

Because Joe is not a U.S. citizen, he could be deported to Italy if found guilty. “You’ve got to be strong-minded, number one,” he said. “If you’re weak, you’re not going to make it.”

The couple is currently filming season six of the hit Bravo reality series.

MORE LINKS

PIX: Celeb Family Feuds

Joe & Teresa Giudice Indicted on 2 Additional Fraud Counts

EXCLUSIVE: Teresa Giudice Opens Up About Challenging Year

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