Teresa Giudice is known for appearing on "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" and Donald Trump's "The Celebrity Apprentice." (Photo : Getty Images/Stephen Lovekin)
The "Real Housewives" star Teresa Giudice is now free after being released from the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, Connecticut, on Dec. 23, Wednesday. She went straight home to New Jersey, accompanied by her lawyer James Leonard Jr. A convoy of four black SUV also followed as she was driven home.
Giudice had been in prison for almost a year after pleading guilty for tax fraud. She was originally given a 15-month jail term but she was freed earlier after showing good behavior in prison without any preferential treatment, ABC News reported.
The 43-year-old reality star came home just in time for Christmas and her family is happy about it. She was welcomed at the doorsteps by her anxious husband Joe and there were television camera crews around. A welcome sign that says "We missed you" also hangs by the door.
A surprise gift waits for the reality star, too. A black Lexus LX 570 was prepared with a big red bow by her husband. It is an exuberant present for someone who is bankrupt but Giudice's lawyer defended the choice of gift by stating that his client needs it.
Meanwhile, Leonard briefly talked with the press when they arrived at their home and relayed the reality star's greetings to everyone by saying: "She is free. Teresa wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays with your families," Daily Mail reported.
The "Real Housewives" star's reunion with husband Joe Giudice will be brief as he is set to be put behind bars in March 2016 to serve his 41-month jail sentence after pleading guilty of tax fraud.
