For The Love Of Wife: Joe Giudice Asks Judge For Separate Trial From Teresa, Claims She Had No Knowledge Of Alleged Criminal Activity
Jan. 21 2014, Published 3:12 p.m. ET
Facing up to 50 years in jail for felony tax fraud, Joe Giudice wants to protect his wife Teresa Giudice — and clear her name from their current legal woes.
In new court documents obtained exclusively by RadarOnline.com, Joe claims the Real Housewives of New Jersey star had no knowledge of any alleged criminal activity in relation to the 41 counts of federal fraud against the couple and will testify to that, ONLY if he gets a separate trial.
Joe argues that he is entitled to his own trial to allow the mother-of-four to invoke her right to testify on her own behalf and allow her the right to choose not to testify against her husband.
“Without an order severing the trials, she is placed in the position of choosing to testify on her own behalf and against her husband, or not testifying at all,” per the documents.
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“Unquestionably, Mr. Giudice’s conduct and anticipated testimony would be just as imperative to Teresa’s defense. If the codefendants are tried jointly, and Mr. Giudice invokes his Fifth Amendment right, Teresa will be prejudiced."
According to the documents, if the trials are severed, Joe affirmed his willingness to testify as to Teresa’s involvement in the alleged criminal activity and would testify that:
- Teresa had no knowledge of any misrepresentation on loan and mortgage applications and lines of credit.
- Teresa was not aware that various properties and businesses were acquired in her name.
- Joe signed Teresa’s name on numerous occasions without her knowledge or permission.
- Joe’s former business partner, Joe Mastropole, and Joe’s attorney, Fred Roughgarden, signed Teresa’s name on various documents, again without her knowledge or authorization.
- Other individuals, including bank representatives, were aware that Teresa had not signed various documents including loan applications, mortgage applications, and lines of credit.
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As RadarOnline.com previously reported, the controversial couple are facing a whopping 41 charges of tax evasion and fraud, as well as identity fraud.
The pair pleaded not guilty to the fraud charges against them.
The Giudice’s trial was originally set to start in February 2014 but has been pushed to April.