How Much Money Did Teresa Giudice Bring to Prison? Plus, Attorney Reveals Her Final Message to Fans

Reality star was sentenced to 15 months in prison

As of early this morning, Teresa Giudice began her federal prison sentence in Danbury, Conn.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star was driven to the facilities by her attorney James L. Leonard Jr. as well as one of his associates.

Leonard exclusively tells E! News that Giudice "was very upbeat and positive," as well as "talkative and lively."

"There was some nervous energy there, but not because she was scared. She was just anxious about getting started," he adds.

And contrary to previous reports, the mother of four "did not have a wedding band with her. I bought her a rosary and a medallion of St. Christopher and St. Teresa. They let her keep that, and she was very happy about it."

Also, despite the rumor mill going into overdrive about such silly things like hair extensions, Leonard shares that "she looked exactly the same as she always does. Her hair was the same length, no difference."

So what did Giudice take with her to the federal prison?

"She came with $200 to put into her commissary account. She also had her legal documents with her which also contained a list of addresses for her to write friends and family."

That money will certainly go far at Danbury, where she can purchase a range of items like Cajun shrimp soup, headphones and even an assortment of hair care items.

He adds, "When we got there, I asked the prison officials two questions. First, when can she make her first call? Because she brought the money for her account with her, they said she would be able to make a call within 24 hours. Second, when can she have her first visit? We were told her first opportunity would be this weekend. I told this to her husband and he was very, very excited."

And according to Leonard, Giudice parted ways with her attorney on a decidedly positive, hopeful note.

"Teresa's last words to me [were], 'Tell everyone I'm going to be fine.'"