Joe Giudice of ‘RHONJ’ cuts a deal -- eventually -- in fake-ID case

Joe Giudice had to think about it for a while, but on Wednesday he agreed to a plea deal to settle charges that he used his brother’s identifying documents to get a new driver license in 2010 after his had been suspended for a DUI.

Through his lawyer, the “Real Housewives of New Jersey” fixture initially rejected the deal that would sentence him to 18 months behind bars in exchange for pleading guilty to possession of a fake ID, the Associated Press reported.

Giudice, who’d been charged with unlawful use of an ID and impersonation, told the court he didn’t want to admit guilt, ABC News said. If he didn’t cut the deal, the case would have gone to trial and he’d run the risk of up to 10 years in jail.

“You’re making a momentous decision,” New Jersey Superior Court Judge Adam Jacobs said after the reality-show star said he wanted to reconsider a plea deal he’d just rejected, the Star-Ledger reported. “There’s no going back after this.”

Giudice has already earned a 41-month federal prison sentence after pleading guilty in March to multiple counts of conspiracy and bankruptcy fraud. He also pleaded guilty to not filing a tax return. He and his wife, Teresa Giudice, were sentenced in federal court Oct. 2.

After discussing the fake-ID matter with his attorney, Giudice accepted the deal Wednesday afternoon. His 18-month state sentence will run concurrently with his federal time, which he’ll start after his wife does her stretch related to the federal case. The staggered sentences were allowed so the couple can continue to care for their four daughters.

Giudice had apologized to his wife in a recent “Watch What Happens Live” interview.

“I just want to apologize that I got you into this mess, and ... if I could take it all back, I would,” Joe told Teresa.

“I tried to do whatever I could to convince the judge ... but I had no control over that.”

Teresa Giudice must report to prison by Jan. 5.

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