Real Housewives star Teresa Giudice appeared in court yesterday (14th August), with her husband Joe Giudice, and pleaded not guilty to federal charges.

Joe and Teresa Giudice
Joe and Teresa Giudice outside the court house on Wednesday 14th August.

The couple are facing 39 charges dating from the period between 2001 and 2008. The charges allege that the couple defrauded the banks; misled the IRS by misrepresenting their assets and income and obtained mortgages and loans by misrepresentation. Some of the charges in question are as follows: conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, bank fraud, making false statements on loan applications and bankruptcy fraud. 

The couple appeared at Newark Federal Court together and remained silent, allowing their lawyers to place their not guilty plea. Joe Giudice's attorney, Miles Feinstein, told the New York Daily News outside the court house that the couple "vehemently deny their guilt. There's an assumption of innocence and they vehemently assert their innocence."

Whilst Teresa Giudice's lawyer, as reported by NBC, said the couple are confident the couple will win their case. On the subject, Henry Klingeman said "we're confident we're going to put on a very strong defence and I have a lot of confidence in her [Teresa]."

Teresa and Joe Giudice
Teresa and Joe Giudice appearing at the Pangea Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida. Appearing last weekend, life evidently goes on despite their legal troubles.

Despite their innocence, the couple did look worried, appearing at court looking concerned and anxious. However, arriving at the court, they did manage to remain calm in the face of swarming press and photographers. When Joe Giudice last appeared at court, on July 31st, he attempted to hit one of the photographers. Feinstein had something to say on this matter too, claiming his client was intentionally provoked by the press, he stated "it wasn't intentional. There were cameras right in his face and people were shouting about the children."

The couple could face up to 50 years in jail if they are convicted on all counts. Joe Guidice is in even more trouble than his wife. He was born in Italy and is not a US citizen, therefore he could face deportation. According to Feinstein, Joe Giudice was completely unaware of this, claiming "Joe didn't know he wasn't a citizen. The rest of his family is. Has he known and applied for citizenship he certainly would have gotten in."

The couple are best known for appearing on the reality television series The Real Housewives of New Jersey. Teresa Giudice is infamous for her temper and is often considered the show's main antagonist. Her husband owns a number of businesses in New Jersey. 

Teresa Giudice
Teresa Giudice at the Pangea Nightclub in Florida.