Teresa Giudices's Lawyer Explains Expensive Homecoming Gift
Teresa Giudice's lawyer has come to the reality star's defense after her expensive homecoming gift drew flak from critics.
On Wednesday morning, Teresa Giudice came home to Montville, New Jersey from federal prison and was greeted by a homecoming gift from her husband Joe Giudice in the form of a Lexus SUV worth $90,000. The expensive gift was given after the star of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" (RHONJ) spent almost a year in prison over federal fraud charges, according to NY Daily News.
Attorney James J. Leonard, Teresa's legal counsel, explained that Joe gave her the Lexus simply because she needs it, the report relays.
"She needs a car. End of story — just like anyone else who needs a car," Leonard told People on Thursday.
Teresa was supposed to be in prison for 15 months, but she was released four months early and was able to spend Christmas with her family. She got out of Danbury Federal Correctional Institution at 5 a.m. on Wednesday, Nano News reports.
On Wednesday, Leonard said Teresa will enjoy a "low-key" Christmas season with her husband and four daughters. However, the enjoyment is short-lived because in March 2016, Joe will start his 41-month jail sentence for fraud, the report details.
Meanwhile, Leonard also said his client has developed some attachment with her fellow inmates. She reportedly cried a lot the night before she was released. The attorney said the inmates gave her cards with very touching messages and some of them were "tearjerkers."
Teresa had been looking forward to her release since the day she checked into the correctional facility. Before she got out of prison, she entered the ladies room inside the prison to freshen up, the report adds.
As of now, the Giudice couple is reportedly not thinking about Joe's upcoming prison stint. Leonard said Teresa Giudice and her husband will try to focus on their present situation and avoid brooding about the events in the near future.