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1:15 PM PT -- The prosecutor has requested a 21-month sentence for Teresa. The judge has taken a short recess and they will be back shortly.

Joe Giudice has been sentenced to 41 months in a federal prison for wire and bankruptcy fraud -- but Teresa Giudice is still waiting to hear what her fate will be.

Joe must also pay $414,588.90 in restitution and enter an alcohol treatment program in prison.

Before handing down the sentence ... the judge chewed out Joe and Teresa for being dishonest with their finances -- pointing out the government had to dig up details they should have disclosed up front.

Both Joe and Teresa dissolved into tears as the judge tore into them.

The judge said ... if she sentences Teresa to prison, she will stagger the sentence so at least one parent will be free to care for their 4 daughters.

As we told you ... Teresa's game plan was to beg the judge for leniency -- she could get more than 20 months in prison.