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Potomac, Maryland – Local socialite and “Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger has been sentenced to a year in jail for a drunk driving incident. The incident occurred near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac on March 19, 2024.
Huger, known as the “grande dame” of the Potomac social scene, crashed her Maserati into a street sign after drinking. A Montgomery County jury found her guilty of driving under the influence late last year. She was cleared of a reckless driving charge.
Circuit Court Judge Terrence McGann handed down a two-year sentence, with one year suspended. Huger will also pay $2,900 in fines and serve five years of probation.
Her driver’s license will be suspended for one year following her release. Any probation violation could result in Huger serving the suspended year.
Huger was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing. Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy stressed the seriousness of drunk driving and the county’s commitment to prosecuting such cases.
In court, a remorseful Huger admitted her mistake and expressed relief that no one was injured. She acknowledged the dangers of mixing alcohol and medication.
The 61-year-old reality star faced a maximum of two years. Prosecutors had requested six months, while the defense argued for rehabilitation instead of jail time. Prosecutors cited Huger’s history of alcohol-related traffic offenses, though none resulted in previous jail time.
Body camera footage from the night of the crash showed Huger struggling with her balance and slurring her speech. Huger was absent from the recent “RHOP” reunion shows, but sent a video message announcing her entry into rehab to address issues with alcohol and medication.