Karen Huger from The Real Housewives of Potomac Receives Sentencing in DUI Case
The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger has received her sentence following a guilty verdict in her DUI trial.
As reported by Fox 5 DC, a judge sentenced the 61-year-old Bravo reality star to one year in prison. She was facing a maximum of two years, but since this was not her first DUI, her official sentence includes two years with one year suspended—meaning she will serve one year in jail.
“You were filled to the gills with alcohol,” the judge reportedly remarked to Huger, who is expected to begin her sentence immediately.
Huger appeared in court on Wednesday, February 26, alongside her husband, Ray.
Before her sentencing, Huger spoke on the matter in a pre-recorded video that was shown during the RHOP reunion.
“No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she clarified. “This is very frightening but I take full responsibility for everything that happened during my car accident. My focus is not on myself right now—it’s on my children and family. They are deeply affected by this.”
Shortly after the video was released, Huger entered a treatment center to “address issues regarding antidepressants and alcohol consumption.” During her sentencing, Huger’s attorney cited “the excessive use of prescription medication” as the cause of the accident.
Following a car accident in March 2024, Huger faced charges including DUI, DWI, and negligent driving that endangered lives and property, as well as reckless driving.
In December 2024, she was found guilty on nearly all charges, although she was acquitted of reckless driving.
“While we are disappointed with the jury’s decision, we respect it and appreciate their time devoted to our case,” Huger’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, stated to People. “We reserve the right to appeal on behalf of Mrs. Huger and will pursue justice fully. We are grateful for the support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family during this difficult time.”
Throughout the filming of season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac, Huger maintained her innocence, despite police body cam footage raising questions among some of her castmates.
Since her conviction, several of her co-stars have weighed in on the situation.
“I always believed she was guilty,” Mia Thornton remarked during the January 26 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “I’m sorry, but it’s very sad. I really feel that if she had just admitted to what she did, we wouldn’t have to be here.”
For Gizelle Bryant, who co-created The Real Housewives of Potomac with Huger in 2016, the prospect of her co-star and friend going to jail is heartbreaking.
“Do I want to see her incarcerated? Absolutely not. But do I want her to take responsibility? For sure,” Bryant, 54, told Us Weekly exclusively on February 3. “It would truly break my heart to see Karen go to jail. We’ll just have to wait and see.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac airs on Bravo Sundays at 8 p.m. ET. You can catch previous episodes anytime on Peacock.
