Joe Giudice Seeks Advice to Help Him Prepare for Upcoming Prison Sentence

— -- Joe Giudice spoke openly about his upcoming prison sentence on last night's episode of "Real Housewives of New Jersey: Teresa Checks In."

At one point in the episode, Giudice made light about the situation with his eldest daughter, Gia, 14, but overall, the reality TV star expressed concern and disappointment about his lengthy sentence.

Giudice, 43, was sentenced to 41 months in prison after pleading guilty to fraud in 2014.

"I chose to work hard, I'm still going to jail," said Giudice. "I plead guilty. I wasn't trying to do anything wrong."

Following the advice of his lawyer James J. Leonard Jr., Giudice sought advice from members of his community who have also spent time behind bars to help him mentally prepare for his upcoming prison sentence.

One former inmate, an Italian restaurateur who previously served seven years in prison, told Giudice that he needed to remember to focus on the life he wants after his release.

"From the minute you go in, you gotta worry about what you're going to do when you get out of jail," the restaurateur said.

Giudice admitted that he is worried about being away from his family and missing out on things while he serves his time, but he said he is ready to put this ordeal behind him.

"I'm ready to get it over with and that's it, and move on with my life," Giudice said.

Giudice will head to prison following the release of his wife, Teresa Giudice, who is currently serving a 15-month prison sentence for the same crime.