Looks like Karen Huger will be trading in her designer for some oversized jail suits as she’s just been sentenced in her DUI case.
This Wednesday morning, The Real Housewives of Potomac star was sentenced to serve two years in jail with one year mandatory after being found guilty of driving under the influence last year in Montgomery County, Maryland, according to court records.
As previously reported by TMZ, Huger claimed she had been emotionally distraught and tried to avoid a head-on collision when she lost control of her 2017 Maserati, crashing over a median and crosswalk. In December 2024, Huger was convicted on seven counts of DUI-related offenses stemming from a crash in March 2024.
Karen Huger Faces Jail Time After DUI Conviction
Jury ultimately found her guilty of five out of six charges, including driving under the influence (DUI), negligent driving, failure to control speed, and failure to notify authorities of an address change. She got cleared of reckless driving and later entered a rehab program.
Her legal team fought to secure a reduced six-month sentence. However, the court decided against leniency, noting that this was her fourth DUI offense. The judge emphasized that repeated violations of DUI laws pose a severe danger to public safety.
Huger’s sentencing has sparked debates among fans and critics of the show, with many questioning the severity of the sentence versus past DUI cases involving other celebrities.
The DUI Incident That Led to Karen Huger’s Conviction
The crash occurred in March 2024 when Huger allegedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Witnesses at the scene reported that her car jumped the median and struck a pedestrian crosswalk. Fortunately, no one was injured, but authorities noted that Huger appeared impaired.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing Huger’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was significantly above the legal limit. Surveillance footage and witness testimonies further solidified the case against her.
Following the accident, Huger was immediately arrested and released on bail. She later issued a public apology, acknowledging that she had made a grave mistake and would seek help.
Jury’s Verdict and Sentencing
The trial lasted several weeks, during which the jury deliberated on multiple charges. In the end, they convicted Huger on most of the charges, leaving only the reckless driving charge off the table.
Maryland law imposes strict penalties on repeat DUI offenders, which played a role in the judge’s decision to mandate at least one year of jail time. Additionally, Huger’s failure to report a change of address after a previous DUI was a factor in the sentencing.
The court also ordered her to complete an alcohol treatment program and perform 200 hours of community service upon her release.
Karen Huger’s Legal Battle and Defense
Huger’s legal team argued that the incident was an unfortunate accident, not a deliberate act of negligence. They highlighted her previous completion of alcohol rehabilitation programs and her status as a public figure committed to positive change.
They pushed for probation and house arrest, but prosecutors insisted that repeated offenses required harsher consequences.
Legal experts say that while Huger’s sentencing is tough, it aligns with Maryland’s DUI laws, which have been strengthened in recent years to curb drunk driving-related accidents.
Huger’s Response to the Conviction
Huger has not yet released an official statement regarding her sentencing. However, she did address her fans shortly after the jury’s verdict.
“I know a lot of young children look up to me, [they] call me Auntie Karen, the Grand Dame,” she said, urging them to “do as I say, not as I do.”
She continued, “This is very frightening, but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident.” Huger emphasized that her primary concern was her family, stating, “I don’t care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.”
As of now, Huger’s legal team is reviewing the possibility of an appeal. Whether she will serve the full sentence or be eligible for early release remains to be seen.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.