Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger has officially been sentenced to prison after her March 2024 DUI arrest.
According to local news outlet Fox 5, Huger was sentenced to two years with one year suspended, which means she will spend 12 months in prison and will not be allowed to drive for one year after that. She is also facing five years of probation.
The judge reportedly pointed out during the sentencing that Huger has had four offenses in the last 17 years. “What are we waiting for the fifth before we sentence you to jail time?” the judge said.
Huger was found guilty on five out of six charges after totaling her car in a high-speed accident in March 2024. The Bravo star claimed she swerved into the median to “avoid the head-on collision” because she believed she saw another car heading toward her.
Huger candidly spoke out about her mental health after the crash, calling that evening a “very frightening experience.”
“I am still in shock from last nights incident, but grateful to be alive today,” she said in a statement to TMZ at the time. “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.”
“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!” she continued. “I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident which is understandable, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away!”
After she was found guilty in December 2024, the Bravo star skipped the Season 9 reunion taping in early January of this year to enter a private recovery program.
Huger’s manager Ryan Tresdale addressed her absence in a statement to Bravo’s The Daily Dish.
“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.”
Huger’s defense team vowed to fight the charges after she was found guilty on all charges aside from reckless driving. “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,” they said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.