Real Housewives Of Potomac star Karen Huger faces jail time after being found GUILTY in DUI trial
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A verdict was reached in Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger's DUI trial — nine months after crashing her Maserati in Maryland.
On Wednesday, Huger was found guilty on nearly all counts except for a charge of reckless driving, as reported by PEOPLE.
A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for January 29, 2025.
The consequences for a first-time DUI in the state of Maryland is a fine of $1,000 and up to one year in jail, according to the Maryland Department Of Transportation.
In a statement, Huger's legal team said they were 'disappointed in the jury's verdict' and suggested they may appeal the decision.
'Although we are disappointed in the jury's verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,' said attorney A. Scott Bolden.
A verdict was reached in Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger's DUI trial — nine months after crashing her Maserati in Maryland; seen on December 8
On Wednesday, Huger was found guilty on nearly all counts except for a charge of reckless driving, as reported by PEOPLE
'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.'
Fans were shocked when news broke that Huger had crashed her 2017 Maserati while driving in 'an aggressive manner' in Potomac, Maryland on March 19, 2024.
While she was not arrested, she did receive a total of six traffic violations, including negligent and reckless driving, driving way over the speed limit, and driving with a suspended registration. The traffic violations have fines ranging from $50 to $510.
Huger, who said the accident happened due to her being in a 'super emotional state', was later charged with a DUI and DWI.
Huger was allegedly driving at a speed too high for the conditions before ultimately striking a median and two signs in Potomac, a representative for the Montgomery County Police shared with TMZ at the time.
The car was unable to be driven due to the massive damage it sustained during the incident and required a tow truck to be moved, the outlet reports.
According to the Montgomery County Police representative, Huger was driving in a manner they characterized as aggressive and too fast for the conditions before she reached an intersection, where she hit a median and crosswalk sign.
She continued driving ahead, and struck a parking sign located off the roadway before coming to a stop. The airbag was reportedly deployed during the incident.
During the trial on December 17, the jury was shown bodycam footage from the night of the accident
When cops questioned her about 'how much' she'd had to drink that night, she told them to speak to her husband, former IBM executive Ray Huger, who had met her at the scene
The footage showed Huger's busted front hood
There were no other passengers were in the vehicle with Huger.
In her own statement, Huger said she was doing 'fine' after the accident, and said it happened due to her being in a 'super emotional state' as per the publication.
She had been at a dinner with a friend where they discussed emotional issues, including Karen's late mother.
Karen said the dinner had made her emotional and she was 'bawling' while trying to get home, causing her to swerve in order to avoid a car driving at her. She made no mention of being intoxicated or arrested.
Several witness appeared in court on Tuesday, December 17, according to Fox 5 DC, with one man alleging that Huger's crashed car smelled of alcohol.
One of the EMTs at the scene claimed that Huger, who denied assistance, cursed at them and 'swayed' while getting into the ambulance.
Once inside the emergency vehicle, the EMT claimed that Huger repeatedly told first responders to 'f*** off' and to 'go f*** [themselves.' But within minutes, Huger started complimenting a 'beautiful' female firefighter on the scene.
Bodycam footage of officers speaking with Huger was played for the jury, which showed a disheveled Huger standing by her busted luxury vehicle.
In a statement, Huger's legal team said they were 'disappointed in the jury's verdict' and suggested they may appeal the decision
Huger was allegedly driving at a speed too high for the conditions before ultimately striking a median and two signs in Potomac, a representative for the Montgomery County Police shared with TMZ at the time of the incident on March 19
At one point in the footage, Huger calls 'bulls***' when one of the officers tells her she's 'hammered.'
When cops questioned her about 'how much' she'd had to drink that night, she told them to speak to her husband, former IBM executive Ray Huger, who had met her at the scene.
Huger admitted to having 'a couple of beers' before getting behind the wheel.
Ray helped Huger, whose speech seemed slurred, communicate with officers who were trying to put together an accident report, as per footage obtained by Fox 5 DC.
Huger has been a star on Bravo's The Real Housewives of Potomac since 2016.
Prior to her March arrest, Huger opened up about embracing her second phase in life during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
'My children clearly... they were my priority, so I went home for 17 years. They're now 26 and 36. So I think women should look forward to rebirthing and picking up their life where they left it off when they decided to be at home moms.'
In her own statement, Huger said she was doing 'fine' after the accident, and said it happened due to her being in a 'super emotional state'; seen on December 10
'Now that I'm an empty nester I have LaDame Fragrance, the brand is doing well, I'm at Bloomingdale's. So many opportunities have come my way.
'And again, I feel very blessed that God has allowed me to turn 60 and do it healthy and have the mind to do things and I'm so excited.
'And it gets better as we mature.'
'Don't say we're growing old, we're growing wise,' she said. 'There's wisdom with living long.'
