The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger is about to face legal consequences for her actions.
According to Fox 5 DC, a judge sentenced the Bravo reality star to one year in jail on Wednesday, February 26. (Her official sentence is two years in jail with one year suspended, meaning she will be behind bars for one year.)
Both Karen and her husband, Ray Huger, testified in front of a judge and were the only people who did so on her behalf.
At one point in the proceedings, the judge responded to claims that Karen crashed because of a mix of anti-anxiety medications saying, “You were filled to the gills with alcohol.”
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Fox 5 DC also reported that Karen’s sentence will start right away, and she will go right from the courtroom to jail. The outlet assumed Karen will serve her time in Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
The facility is responsible for the custody and care of male and female offenders who are either in a pre-trial status or serving sentences of up to 18 months.
Before Karen reports to jail, take a look back on how the “Grand Dame” of Potomac found herself in a DUI scandal.
Karen Huger’s Arrest
On March 19, 2023, Karen was driving her 2017 Maserati in an “aggressive manner,” Montgomery County Police confirmed to TMZ. As a result, she struck both an intersection crosswalk sign and a parking sign before her vehicle came to a halt in Potomac, Maryland.
“With the passing of my Beloved Mother, Grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mothers Day approaching it has felt more like a tsunami,” Karen said in a statement to TMZ at the time. “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. I’m hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive!”
Karen was later charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle.
Karen Huger’s Trial
In December 2024, Karen was found guilty on nearly all charges. (She was found not guilty of recklessly driving.)
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” Karen’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, told People in a statement shortly after the verdict was revealed. “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.”
Police body cam footage was released after the verdict and included video of the Bravo star name-dropping third U.S. President Thomas Jefferson and Andy Cohen following the car accident.
Karen Huger’s Involvement With ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’
While filming season 9 of The Real Housewives of Potomac, Karen maintained her innocence in the DUI case. When the show’s reunion taped in January 2025, however, she was expected to receive tough questions from Cohen and her costars about the guilty verdict and the body cam footage.
Karen ultimately did not attend the taping in person as she chose to enter a private recovery program. She did address the situation, however, in a pre-taped video that aired during the show.
“No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she said. “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.”
Karen Huger’s Legal Consequences
While Bravo has yet to publicly comment on Karen’s future with The Real Housewives of Potomac, her sentencing includes jail time and other consequences.
According to Fox 5 DC, Karen was also sentenced to five years of probation after she gets out of jail and she won’t be able to drive a car for another year after she gets out.
Karen will need an interlock device when she’s allowed to drive again, will attend AA meetings and pay $2,900 in fines.
“Karen is accepting this jail time with peace,” her attorney told reporters outside the courtroom following sentencing.
What Do Karen Huger’s ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ Costars Think?
After Karen was found guilty, several of her costars expressed their opinions on the case.
“I always knew she was guilty,” Mia Thornton said during a January 2025 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. “Sorry, I did. It’s very, very sad. I really feel like if she would have just owned up to what she did, then we would not know.”
Gizelle Bryant expressed her concern about Karen possibly spending a long period of time in jail.
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“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 exclusively told Us Weekly in February 2025. “So, I don’t know. I mean, Karen going to jail? That would break my heart. So we’ll see.”
Former costar Robyn Dixon, however, appeared to show little sympathy during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.
“None of it is a surprise,” Dixon shared in February. “The deflection, the lying, the fact that she was guilty. It’s sad but not a surprise.”
