Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman Learned They Could Be Facing 20 Years in Prison for Admissions Scandal

Will they spend time behind bars? Felicity Huffman, Lori Loughlin and her husband Mossimo Giannulli made their first court appearances amid the college admissions scandal and the judge informed the stars of their potential maximum sentence — they could face up to 20 years in prison.

Huffman, 56, and Loughlin, 54, were among those who stood before Judge M. Page Kelley at a federal Boston courthouse on April 3. Both actresses and Giannulli have been charged with “conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud.” If they are convicted, the maximum sentence would be 20 years in federal prison, 3 years probation and a $250,000 fine.

This pertains to the 13 defendants who appeared in court today. Loughlin and Giannulli reportedly waived their right for a preliminary hearing and agreed to surrender their passports. Huffman reportedly agreed to the same pretrial conditions. Both parties cannot have fire arms in their homes or violate state and local laws.

Judge Kelley also told defendants they can’t discuss the case with anyone involved including witnesses. However, the only exception is their children. “I just don’t think it’s realistic I don’t think its good for the kids … for parents not to talk to their children,” he said.

Loughlin and Huffman were among the 50 people charged on March 12 in connection with the college scam that involved bribing officials and faking test scores. Huffman, Loughlin and Giannulli were indicted, but not Huffman’s spouse, William H. Macy, as the Desperate Housewives star was the one who allegedly arranged a $15,000 payment to boost their daughter’s SAT score.

“Neither actress knew this would become so serious,” a source close to Huffman previously told UsWeekly about how she and Loughlin are coping. “They haven’t fully grasped the extent of their alleged crimes or the possibility of prison time.” We’ll have to wait and see what happens.