'RHOP' Karen Huger Reacts To Guilty Verdict On Nearly All Her Traffic Violation Charges
By Afouda Bamidele on December 19, 2024 at 9:30 AM EST
Bravo star Karen Huger has lost her DUI case nine months after she was charged in Maryland.
The "Real Housewives of Potomac" star got into trouble with the law on March 19 after being involved in a single-vehicle collision. She received multiple charges for the incident and was recently found guilty of all crimes except reckless driving.
Following the viral incident, Karen Huger claimed she had been plagued by grief while driving, but authorities argued that she was under the influence. Despite trying to toss her statements and bodycam footage from evidence, the jury held her responsible for her actions.
Karen Huger Is 'Disappointed' By The Jury's Guilty Verdict
After her single-vehicle collision, Huger was charged with a DUI and DWI. Other charges included negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner, endangering property, life, and person, and recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
The list of her crimes continued, with counts for failure to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision. She also received counts for driving a vehicle at a speed exceeding reasonable and prudent speed on the highway, driving a vehicle on the highway with suspended registration, and more.
As stated, the jury found Huger guilty of all crimes except reckless driving, an outcome that left a bitter taste in her mouth. Her attorney, A. Scott Bolden, shared her reaction to the verdict in a statement to PEOPLE, revealing this was not the end for them. In his words:
"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."
Witnesses Claimed The Bravolebrity Was Intoxicated During The Incident
View this post on Instagram
Huger's DUI case began on Tuesday, December 17, with witnesses recounting what happened during the incident. They all echoed similar sentiments about the Bravolebrity's intoxication, with one man claiming her car smelled like alcohol.
A volunteer EMT who responded to the scene noted Huger did not want treatment and "swayed" when trying to enter the ambulance. They added that she repeatedly told them to "f— off" and "go f— yourselves" inside the vehicle.
Huger's alleged bizarre behavior continued with her calling a female firefighter "beautiful" just minutes after insulting the EMT. The TV personality seemed to have a penchant for cursing as bodycam footage from the scene showed her telling a cop "bullsh-t" after he declared she was "hammered."
What Happened During The Single-Vehicle Collision?
View this post on Instagram
According to authorities, Huger was reportedly driving in an "aggressive manner" and very fast before the single-vehicle collision. She crossed a median and struck multiple street signs but was not injured following the crash.
Officers did not arrest the TV personality after the incident, but she received several citations. While cops claimed she was intoxicated, Huger shared a different narrative in a lengthy statement, blaming the 2017 loss of her parents.
"With the passing of my Beloved Mother, Grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mother's Day approaching, it has felt more like a tsunami," Huger began.
She claimed she had an emotional discussion with a friend on the night of the incident and was crying in her car when she saw a vehicle heading right for her and swerved to avoid it.
The 'RHOP' Star Claimed The Culprit Escaped
View this post on Instagram
Huger claimed she was hurt and bruised from the crash; however, she was grateful to be alive. "I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident, which is understandable, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away!" she alleged.
The entertainer advised fans to be aware of their emotional state before driving and thanked her "Guardian Angel" mother and her seatbelt for protecting her.
Eight months after her March statement, Huger tried to prevent her statements to the police and the bodycam footage from the incident from being admissible as evidence.
The Blast reported that she filed a motion to suppress the evidence of her conduct during the collision, claiming an officer interrogated her without reading her Miranda Rights. On that note, she argued that her statements were given under an illegal interrogation and should be thrown out.
A Judge Denied Karen Huger's Request To Dismiss Her Case
Besides trying to suppress evidence, Huger attempted to dismiss the DUI case and records of her conduct with the police. However, prosecutors argued that her narrative was false, noting:
"[Karen's] statements made during this time were free and voluntary and were stated out loud while in the presence of police officers."
The judge echoed similar sentiments in their ruling, agreeing that Huger was not forced to give a statement. They noted that two officers questioned her separately about what happened; however, she was not "forthcoming with her answers."
Karen Huger is scheduled to be sentenced for her crimes on January 29.