Teresa Giudice "in Denial" About Fraud Charges: "She's Acting Like Everything's Fine," Says Source

Exclusive scoop on the Real Housewives of New Jersey star's legal mess

It sounds like Teresa Giudice isn't letting the fraud charges, 39-count indictment and this morning's Newark court appearance alongside husband Joe too seriously. At least, the severity of the situation hasn't seemed to hit her yet.

According to a source close to the Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Teresa is currently "in denial" about the legal mess. "Right now, she's acting like everything's fine," the source tells E! News exclusively.

"What shocked her was the number of photographers outside the courthouse and outside her home right now," the source continued. "She had no idea it was that big of a story and can't understand why everyone is so interested. She's not grasping the seriousness of the situation."

After appearing together in federal court this morning, Teresa and Joe were each released on $500,000 bail. The source adds, "I think she's in shock. It hasn't hit her yet how serious this is. I think she's under the impression her lawyers will work it all out."

In the 39-count indictment charged against them, Teresa and Joe have been accused of conspiring to defraud lenders, illegally obtaining mortgages and other loans and allegedly trying to shield their assets during a bankruptcy case. This morning the couple was briefed on the possibility of Joe, a citizen of Italy but not the United States, being deported to his home country if he's convicted. Joe and Teresa did not yet enter their pleas to these charges, but are expected to at their arraignment hearing Aug. 14, 2013. Joe and Teresa are being represented by separate attorneys.

"As of now, she's still planning to stick to her schedule, which includes a book signing on Aug. 14," the source says of Teresa. "She doesn't see why she should cancel."

Earlier today, Teresa's attorney, Henry Klingman, told E! News that "it's been a difficult few days" for his client, "but she's been resolute." "She's tending to her kids and dealing with this like a grownup," he said.

After appearing in court with Joe, the mother of four was spotted leaving Saint Joseph's Ambulatory Care with a nurse and daughter Melania on her arm.