POTOMAC, Md. (AP) — “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger was found guilty Tuesday of driving under the influence and related charges stemming from a March single-vehicle crash in Maryland.
The 61-year-old reality television personality was convicted on multiple counts, including DUI, DWI, and negligent driving, though she was cleared of reckless driving. Sentencing is scheduled for January 29.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision,” Huger’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden of Reed Smith law firm, told reporters. Bolden indicated they reserve the right to appeal.
According to Montgomery County Police, Huger was involved in a collision on March 19 where she crossed a median and struck multiple street signs in Potomac. While no injuries were reported, witnesses at the trial provided detailed accounts of the aftermath.
A volunteer EMT testified that Huger appeared unsteady and became confrontational, using profanity toward first responders before suddenly complimenting a female firefighter’s appearance. Bodycam footage presented to the jury showed an officer telling Huger she was “hammered,” which she disputed.
The Bravo TV star initially attributed the incident to emotional distress, citing grief over her mother’s death as she approached Mother’s Day. In a March statement, Huger claimed she swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle after an emotional dinner with a friend.
“I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me,” Huger said at the time. “I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider, and then a tree.”
Additional charges included failure to control vehicle speed, driving with suspended registration, and failing to notify authorities of an address change. Authorities reported Huger was driving “aggressively” at high speed before the crash.
The incident is featured prominently in the current season of “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” which airs Sundays on Bravo.
The verdict comes as a significant blow to Huger, who has been a main cast member on the reality show since its 2016 premiere. The series documents the lives of affluent women in the Potomac area, with Huger often referred to as the “Grand Dame” of the group.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence contradicting Huger’s initial account of the incident. A witness testified to detecting alcohol in Huger’s vehicle, supporting the prosecution’s case for driving under the influence.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving in Montgomery County, where local authorities have increased enforcement efforts in recent years.
Huger’s legal team has indicated they will consider all options before the January sentencing, though specific details about potential appeals were not disclosed.
