Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time! Reality TV celebrity Teresa Giudice and husband Joe Giudice were sentenced to serve their time for recent crimes starting in early January 2015. The Giudice’s sentence was revealed to them and the public late on October 2nd. According to ABC7.com, the NJ couple pleaded guilty to 41 counts: bankruptcy fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud and wire fraud. Teresa will serve 15 months in prison while Joe will serve 41 months.

Although the couple were both sentenced to time in jail, the Giudice’s will not serve at the same time. The judge wanted Joe to serve after Teresa so their four daughters would have a legal parent taking care of them throughout the year. Teresa may have had a slight hand in these crimes, but she is still responsible since her husband used her her name to request false loans.

In an interview with Andy Cohen on his show “Watch What happens Live,” Teresa mentioned how she didn’t know jail time was a possibility for her. After agreeing with her lawyer about making a plea deal, Teresa admitted that “I didn’t fully understand it.” The reality star continues to say, “ I thought my lawyer was going to fight for me.”

Even after the New Jersey housewife’s sentenced was revealed, word quickly got out on how sorry she was on twitter. Teresa expressed her apologies by admitting “I am more sorry than anyone will ever know.” These crimes were committed long before Teresa took on her role as the Italian New Jersey housewife on Bravo’s “Real Housewives” in 2009. Throughout the six year run of the series, the show featured the Giudice daughters: Gia (13), Gabrielle (9), Milania (8) and Audriana (5). Teresa is also known for her successful cookbooks published during her time on “The Real Housewife” series. Her cookbooks are entitled Skinny Italian, Fabulicious, and Fast and Fit; which have all made it to the New York Times Bestsellers list.

Teresa has taken one big lesson away with her, stating: “I do need to read things before I sign them,” she said.

P.C.

What Did We Learn?

Being a celebrity doesn't always mean you are handed or that you'll get away with everything. What young professionals and the common person can learn from this scenario is that you have to communicate. What will happen when Teresa and her husband go away? What will happen to their children? These are things that aren't thought about, not in the slightest. It's important to have a role model, and this couple isn't the one to look to. In short, pay your taxes, read the fine print, and have a plan. If you have to, it's okay to seek advice from a professional - think of it as writing your resume. HR reps do research!