Real Housewife Karen Huger Shocked by Unexpectedly Harsh DUI Prison Sentence

Real Housewife of Potomac Karen Huger has been sentenced to one year in prison following her latest DUI conviction, a punishment that is twice as long as expected. The 61-year-old reality TV star appeared in a Montgomery County court on Wednesday, where she was sentenced to two years in jail, with one year suspended. Additionally, she was fined $2,900 and will be subjected to five years of supervised probation upon release. She will also be prohibited from driving for a year and must install a breathalyzer device in her car to start it.

Huger’s legal troubles stem from a March 2024 incident in Maryland, where she crashed her Maserati into a median and two street signs. The prosecution had initially recommended a six-month jail term, but Judge Terrence McGann opted for a harsher sentence due to her repeated offenses.

During sentencing, Judge McGann expressed concern over Huger’s history, stating, “What are we waiting for—the fifth offense before we sentence you to jail time?” He further questioned, “Can we believe that she’s only driven while intoxicated four times in the last 17 years, or is it more likely that she’s been very lucky and her inebriation has gone undetected?”

The court also took into account Huger’s previous alcohol-related offenses, with records showing at least three prior incidents. Defense attorneys argued for leniency, citing Huger’s struggles with grief following the deaths of both her parents in 2017 and 2018. “Those two losses, in quick succession, were personally devastating and, in her opinion, may have been the straws that broke her back, arguably leading to several errors in judgment that led to her arrest in this case,” her legal team stated in a motion.

During her trial, bodycam footage from the night of her accident was presented as evidence, showing her appearing incoherent and making bizarre statements, including referring to herself as “Thomas Jefferson’s concubine.” Despite these circumstances, Huger maintained her innocence throughout the latest season of The Real Housewives of Potomac.

Following the guilty verdict, Huger’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, issued a statement saying, “Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case.” He also indicated that Huger’s legal team is considering an appeal.

Huger has previously spoken about past incidents involving alcohol-related driving offenses. In a 2016 interview, she admitted to a prior DUI arrest, saying, “I [got] pulled over. Technically I wasn’t driving. I was pulled over into a parked area where you should not park. I turned off the car and I called my husband. However, the teddy bear cops found me first, and I collected my DUI.”

Huger missed the most recent Real Housewives of Potomac reunion while undergoing treatment. In a pre-recorded message, she addressed her struggles, stating, “No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear. This is very frightening, but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident. I don’t care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.”

As Huger prepares to serve her sentence, her legal team has 30 days to appeal and 90 days to request a reconsideration of the ruling. The case has also raised questions about her future with Bravo, as reports suggest she will need to address her legal troubles before continuing her career in reality television.