'Real Housewives' star Karen Huger found guilty on DUI, negligent driving charges
Reality star guilty of DUI in Maryland crash
ROCKVILLE, Md. - Karen Huger, a star on Bravo’s "The Real Housewives of Potomac," was found guilty Wednesday of five out of six charges stemming from a March car crash in Potomac, Maryland, including the lead charge of driving under the influence (DUI).
Huger, 61, could face up to two years in prison.
The jury convicted Huger of DUI, negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, and failure to notify authorities of an address change. She was acquitted of reckless driving.
'Real Housewives' star Karen Huger on trial for DUI crash in Maryland
A "Real Housewives of Potomac" star is on trial this week after an alleged drunk driving incident in March resulted in a car wreck.
When was Karen Huger's DUI crash?
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN -- Episode 20192 -- Pictured: Karen Huger -- (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)
The charges arose from a late-night crash on March 19, 2024, in which Huger allegedly drove her Maserati into a pole near Oaklyn Drive. Witness testimony and body camera footage presented during the trial painted a vivid picture of the incident.
An emergency medical technician testified that Huger swayed on her feet, refused treatment, and verbally lashed out at first responders.
Witness testimony and body camera footage key to conviction
Body camera footage showed Huger slurring her speech and cursing at officers, refusing a breathalyzer, and declining to take a field sobriety test.
'Real Housewives' Karen Huger DUI trial: Jury deliberates verdict
A reality TV star fighting drunk driving accusations will soon learn her fate. "Real Housewives of Potomac" member Karen Huger has been on trial this week on DUI and DWI charges connected to a March crash in Potomac. Her case is now in the hands of a jury. FOX 5's Lili Zheng has the latest.
Defense argues emotional distress
Huger’s defense presented two witnesses, including her cousin, who testified that Huger was emotionally distressed but did not sound impaired when they spoke on the phone shortly before the crash.
Prosecutors argued that Huger’s behavior, captured on body camera footage and corroborated by witnesses, demonstrated clear signs of intoxication.
Huger’s attorneys had previously sought to dismiss the case, claiming the evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure, but the motion was denied.
When will Karen Huger be sentenced?
The case has drawn significant attention, with fans and critics of the reality TV star closely watching the proceedings. Huger’s sentencing on Jan. 29 will determine whether she faces jail time or other penalties for the convictions.
The Source: This article is based on information from the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office and reporting by FOX 5's Lili Zheng.