With media surrounding the building, Teresa and Joe Giudice just strolled into a federal courthouse in New Jersey to deal with 39 counts of fraud ... counts that could land them in prison for 30 years.

The "Real Housewives of New Jersey" stars were locked hand-in-hand as they marched into the courtroom together ... Joe in a suit and tie and Teresa sporting a pantsuit.

The two are accused of greatly exaggerating their income while applying for loans back before RHONJ premiered in 2009.

They're also accused of submitting bogus mortgage and loan applications from 2001 to 2008.

The couple is currently waiting for their case to be called.

Stay tuned.