Karen Huger Sentenced to Jail Following DUI Incident

POTOMAC, Md. — Karen Huger, a prominent cast member of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” was sentenced Wednesday to two years in prison, with one year suspended, after being found guilty of driving under the influence (DUI) and several related charges stemming from a March 2024 incident.

The Montgomery County Circuit Court’s decision means Huger will serve one year behind bars, followed by five years of probation. She is also prohibited from driving for one year after her release and will be required to install a breathalyzer device in her vehicle for an additional four years.

During her court appearance, Huger, 61, expressed remorse for her actions, stating, “Drinking responsibly, especially while taking medications, means not drinking at all. I failed at that miserably.” She emphasized the need to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving, pledging to be a role model through her experiences.

Huger was convicted on seven of the eight charges against her, including DUI, negligent driving, and failure to control her vehicle. The jury acquitted her of reckless driving. Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Terrence McGann highlighted Huger’s repeated offenses, citing three drunk driving incidents from 2006 to 2011, stating, “Can we believe that she’s only driven while intoxicated four times in the last 17 years…?”

Following the accident, body camera footage revealed Huger appeared intoxicated, slurring her words and invoking her status as a reality television star while interacting with police. In the video, she described herself as “Thomas Jefferson’s concubine,” raising concerns about her fitness to drive.

In court, her attorney requested home confinement as an alternative to time in prison, suggesting Huger could use a breathalyzer to monitor her sobriety. However, Judge McGann indicated that Huger needed to face the consequences of her actions to help break a dangerous cycle of behavior.

“We need to help Ms. Huger break this dangerous and destructive pattern and, at the same time, protect the public,” McGann affirmed. Upon learning her fate, Huger reassured her husband, Ray Huger, saying, “You will be alright,” before being taken into custody.

Huger has since entered a recovery program and has been active in Alcoholics Anonymous. She reflected on government and personal accountability, announcing plans to educate the public about the risks associated with drunk driving.

As Huger prepares to serve her time, community members and family have expressed their support. A family member was seen visibly upset during the sentencing, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.

In her own words, Huger admitted that her journey has been challenging, stating, “I understand better the brutal clarity of the fact that when you’re behind a car driving, you’re not just driving for yourself.”

Huger has 30 days to appeal the ruling and plans to continue her recovery process during her time in confinement.