Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger has been sentenced to one year in jail after being found guilty in her Driving Under the Influence (DUI) trial.
The 61-year-old reality television personality faced a two-year sentence, but the judge suspended one year, meaning she will serve one year behind bars.
The decision was handed down on Wednesday, Feb. 26, with Huger’s husband, Ray Huger, by her side.
The sentencing follows a March 2024 car accident that led to multiple charges, including DUI, driving while impaired (DWI), and negligent driving. While she was found guilty on nearly all counts in December 2024, she was acquitted of reckless driving.
According to Fox 5 DC, the judge did not mince words during the hearing. “You were filled to the gills with alcohol,” the judge reportedly told Huger, pointing out to her the severity of the incident.
Huger, who had previously faced a DUI charge, must begin her sentence immediately.
Karen Huger’s Response
Ahead of her sentencing, Huger addressed the situation in a pre-recorded video aired during The Real Housewives of Potomac reunion.
“No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she stated. “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.”
Huger voluntarily checked into treatment in late 2024 to address concerns about mixing antidepressants with alcohol. Her attorney later argued in court that the “overuse of prescription medicine” was a contributing factor in the crash.
The Aftermath
Following her conviction, opinions among Huger’s RHOP castmates have been divided. While some, like Mia Thornton, were critical, others, including Gizelle Bryant, expressed sadness over the legal outcome.
“I mean, do I want to see her go to jail? Absolutely not. But do I want to see her take accountability? For sure,” Bryant told Us Weekly earlier this month. “Karen going to jail? That would break my heart.”
Despite her legal troubles, Huger’s supporters continue to stand by her, offering encouragement as she prepares to serve her sentence. With RHOP still airing new episodes on Bravo, fans will likely see the impact of these events unfold on screen.
