RHOP star Karen Huger has been found guilty of DUI, TV Deets can confirm exclusively.
It was not a cut-and-dry case, however, with the jury deliberating for over five hours after a two-day trial. The jury was reportedly deadlocked before being sent back to deliver a verdict, which they did just minutes ago.
Prosecutors were originally seeking 60 days in jail while the defense opted for a jury trial, hoping for no jail time in the case.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star had been facing a list of charges over the March 19, 2024 incident including “Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol” and “Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol.” Her lawyers previously attempted to have the case thrown out, alleging an illegal search and seizure, but a judge denied the request.
According to the People’s Law Library of Maryland, DUI sentences in the state vary depending on the number of prior offenses. Penalties can range anywhere from a $500 fine and two months in jail up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail, probation, or house arrest.
“Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes during this very frightening experience. I am still in shock from last nights incident, but grateful to be alive today,” Karen Huger said in a statement at the time of her arrest.
“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… 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,” she said.
She added, “I’m hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive! 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! 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, my Mother may be my Guardian Angel but the seatbelt saved my life.”
The state’s case
According to a report from FOX 5 after day one of the trial, the state called multiple witnesses including two police officers and an EMT who responded to the scene of the accident.
While the RHOP star reportedly complimented a female first responder, she allegedly used profanity towards the others assisting her. Those same first responders testified in court that Karen refused treatment and appeared to be under the influence. Prosecutors also used body cam footage to make their case.
The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays on Bravo.
