Lori Loughlin 'Learning Prison Lingo,' Reportedly Hires Expert For Max 45-Year Sentence

Lori Loughlin is said to be ramping up her prep for the maximum 45-year sentence she faces for her part in the Varsity Blues college admissions scandal.

Lori, 55, and her husband Mossimo Giannulli have been making headlines galore for being charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud, plus money laundering and federal programs bribery.

A source reporting to Radar Online today states that Lori is working hard to prepare herself for the reality of life behind bars – even hiring an expert.

Wants To 'Give The Impression She's Tough'

“She’s knuckling down, learning the lingo and practicing martial arts to give off the impression she’s tough and to ward off potential bullies,” the source stated, adding that Lori “knows there will be plenty of them in federal prison.”

“Prison is going to be sink or swim and Lori doesn’t intend to sit back and take the abuse without a fight,” the source added regarding the max 45-year sentence that the actress faces is found guilty on all charges.

Lori and her husband are accused of having paid $500,000 in bribes to get their daughters admitted to USC.

“Besides the physical training she’s getting lots of advice from prison professors on how to earn one’s keep behind bars. It’s a sure sign she knows deep down she’s facing an inevitable stretch and will need to be prepared," the Radar Online source added.

'Breaking Down': Lori 'Terrified Of Prison'

Watching "Orange is the New Black" is one thing. Actually finding yourself behind bars is another matter.

Earlier this year, a source reporting to Entertainment Tonight stated Loughlin to be absolutely petrified of lock-up.

"She is breaking down. She truly feels at her very worst. People are coming out in support of her lately but she is afraid to open up. She's concerned if she talks to the wrong people that her opinions will get out and somehow affect the case," they said.

And Her Daughters Feel Sorry For Her

Daughters Olivia Jade and Bella are said to be supporting their mother, although the source reporting to Entertainment Tonight stated the two girls to be feeling guilty.

"They are trying to help her process but it’s been really hard. The girls feel guilty because they realize she was only trying to help their future. They know their mother is a good person, and don't want her to suffer in any way."

Of course, things don't look great for Lori given that her alleged bribe involved getting her daughters into school on the crew team – and neither of them row.

How Many Years Would She Realistically Get?

45 years would be the maximum sentence for Lori. That said, Good Morning America's legal expert Dan Abrahams outlined that the reality for Lori might be far less time behind bars.

"These cases are very similar. It’s almost the same amount of money. It’s two kids. It’s faking the profiles, etc. Now this was a guilty plea. This was someone who’s accepted responsibility for it, and is still getting six months. So you’ve got to believe if [Loughlin] were to take it to trial, with the additional charge that’s been thrown on her, if she was convicted, she’d be looking at a few years. I wouldn’t be surprised if she got 2 to 3 years if she’s convicted."