Karen Huger Faces 2-Year Prison Sentence for DUI, but Will Spend Only 1 Year Behind Bars: What You Need to Know

On February 26, Karen Huger appeared in Montgomery County Circuit Court, where she received her sentencing. The star of The Real Housewives of Potomac was sentenced to two years in prison, with one year suspended due to her drunk driving conviction. Accompanied by her husband Ray, she must also complete five years of probation. She has 30 days to appeal the decision and 90 days to request a reconsideration.

After being taken into custody, Karen reassured her husband, saying, “You will be alright” and “God’s got you.”

Earlier in March 2024, Karen crashed her car into a street sign. Body camera footage showed her visibly intoxicated, stumbling, and slurring her words while speaking to the police. She admitted to having had “a couple of beers” and invoked a number of names, including her show’s producer Andy Cohen and even President Abraham Lincoln.

She faced multiple charges from this incident, including DUI, DWI, and careless driving. Additionally, she was charged with failing to control her vehicle speed and driving with a suspended registration.

In December 2024, a jury found her guilty on most charges, except for reckless driving. Following the verdict, Huger’s attorney expressed disappointment but respected the jury’s decision. He mentioned that they would pursue an appeal, stating, “We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family.”

In January, Karen sought help through a private recovery program in Florida, aiming to address her issues with alcohol and antidepressants. This choice meant she missed the taping of the RHOP season 9 reunion, causing a brief delay in her sentencing as she also changed her legal representation.

Despite attending the reunion virtually through two videos, Huger remained candid about her struggles with alcohol. In one video, she declared, “No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” yet advised her fans to “do as I say, not as I do.” Sharing her emotions after the verdict, she reflected, “My heart dropped,” and emphasized her responsibility for the accident. “I care about my family and children. They are so hurt,” she said.

Huger expressed gratitude towards her fellow cast members for their support, particularly thanking Cohen for his timely messages of encouragement. She ended her statement by asserting her identity beyond the title of “Grand Dame,” saying she would return as simply Karen Huger, stating “Karen is enough.” Her heartfelt admission moved her friend Gizelle Bryant, who remarked on Huger’s need for help, not in a hurtful way but as a concern for her well-being.

Recently, Huger’s attorney reported that the trial served as a “wake-up call” for her. He noted that she was deeply embarrassed by the situation. Since returning home from a 28-day treatment program, she has been active in Alcoholics Anonymous.

However, prosecutors highlighted Huger’s previous alcohol-related offenses between 2006 and 2011, which included convictions for driving under the influence and impaired driving. This history has added complexity to her current situation.

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