‘Real Housewives Of Potomac’ Star Karen Huger Sentenced In DUI

POTOMAC, MD — Karen Huger, a cast member of Bravo's reality TV series "Real Housewives of Potomac," was sentenced Wednesday to a year in jail for driving under the influence in Montgomery County, reports said.

The reality star was sentenced to two years in jail with one year suspended, NBC Washington reported. Following the completion of her jail time, Huger is expected to be on probation for five years.

Huger, 61, was driving a 2017 Maserati about midnight March 19, 2024, when it crossed the median strip and crashed into street signs, near the intersection of Oaklyn Drive and Beman Woods Way in Potomac, WTOP reported, citing court records. She was not seriously hurt.

She was found guilty in late December 2024 of DUI, negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid a collision and failure to notify of address change, the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office said. The jury acquitted Huger of a reckless driving charge.

Huger, often called the Grande Dame of Potomac, entered a treatment facility in January for “taking antidepressants and drinking,” according to a short video message that was played for her castmates, The New York Times reported.

Huger had three previous alcohol-related offenses. Before last year's crash, she was convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol in Maryland in 2011.

Ryan Tresdale, Huger’s manager, said in a statement in January that she had made the “important decision to enter a private recovery program,” causing her to miss the Season 9 reunion.

“She was fully supported in this choice,” Tresdale said. “We stand behind Karen as she embarks on this meaningful journey and are proud of her for taking such a significant step forward in her personal growth.”

During her trial, police body camera footage showed Huger appearing to slur her words, reported Fox 5 DC. An EMT testified that Huger refused treatment at the scene of the accident and “swayed” when she attempted to get into an ambulance.

At the time of the car accident, Huger said she was dealing with emotional distress, US magazine reported.

“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case," the Real Housewives of Potomac star's attorney, A. Scott Bolden, told People magazine last year. "We continue to reserve Mrs. Huger’s right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”

Before charges were filed, Huger told TMZ she was in shock from the crash, and acknowledged she had received some citations.

"Last night I met a girlfriend for dinner, we talked and brought up some very emotionally sensitive topics. I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me. I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider and then a tree," Huger told TMZ in March. "I would like to stress, it’s important to understand your emotional state when driving and may this be a reminder to all to use their seatbelts ... the seatbelt saved my life."

Huger has been a cast member of the Bravo series since the show began in 2016.

Huger was cited for drinking and driving in October 2006, WTOP said, citing court records. She was stopped in a Mercedes in Bethesda on Wilson Lane near Bradley Boulevard in that case. A judge granted Huger probation before judgment as a first-time offender.

The show website describes Huger as a "pillar of strength and a force to be reckoned with. ... She attended the University of Virginia and is applying her entrepreneurial spirit in various beauty, fashion and lifestyle ventures while reigning supreme as the Grande Dame of Potomac."