Karen Huger returned to a Montgomery County Circuit Court on Wednesday (Feb. 26) for sentencing following her DUI guilty verdict.
The 61-year-old Real Housewives of Potomac star was sentenced to two years in prison (with one year suspended) and will also serve five years of probation. Reportedly, she has 30 days from sentencing to appeal the judge’s decision and 90 days to request reconsideration of the order.
As she was taken into custody, Huger turned to her husband Ray Huger and reassured him, “You will be alright” and “God’s got you,” according to a source who spoke with PEOPLE.
Huger’s legal troubles began in March 2024 when she was arrested following a single-vehicle crash just three miles from her home. Footage from the scene later surfaced, showing a visibly intoxicated Huger stumbling and slurring her words as she spoke to officers. In the now-infamous clip, the self-proclaimed “Grand Dame” mentioned everyone from Real Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen to Abraham Lincoln while admitting she had consumed “a couple of beers.”
The charges against Huger included DUI and DWI, as well as reckless and negligent driving, failure to control vehicle speed, and driving with a suspended registration. Additionally, she faced a charge for failing to notify the administration of a change of address within 30 days.
At the time of her verdict, Huger’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, expressed disappointment with the outcome, stating, “Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case. 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.”
Earlier this year, Huger took steps toward recovery by entering a private treatment facility in Florida. She later explained that her goal was to “get to the bottom” of mixing antidepressants with alcohol. The decision led to a delay in her sentencing and forced her to miss the RHOP season 9 reunion—though she did appear in two pre-recorded video messages.
In the videos, Huger addressed speculation about her drinking habits. “No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she insisted, before advising viewers, “Do as I say, not as I do.” Reflecting on the moment her verdict was read, she admitted, “My heart dropped.” She also acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, “This is very frightening, but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident.”
Huger admitted that her primary concern was her family. “I don’t care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt,” she said. The beauty entrepreneur then took a moment to thank some of her past and present castmates for their support, including Andy Cohen, whom she personally acknowledged. “Your notes meant the world to me. They were always on time.”
Concluding her video, she stated that while she has long been known as the “Grand Dame,” she now intends to be her true self. “I’m coming back as Karen Huger only, because Karen is enough,” she declared.
Huger’s new attorney, David Martella, later spoke to The Washington Post about how deeply the experience has affected her, calling the trial “a wake-up call.” He described her as being “shocked with embarrassment” and confirmed that since completing her 28-day treatment program, she has been actively involved in Alcoholics Anonymous.
However, court filings reportedly indicate that Huger has a history of alcohol-related traffic incidents. Prosecutor Jordan Kramer pointed out that between 2006 and 2011, Huger had been involved in three prior cases, including one conviction for driving while impaired and another for driving under the influence.
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