‘RHOP’ Karen Huger Scores Small Win After Guilty Verdict On Her Traffic Violation Charges
By Afouda Bamidele on January 28, 2025 at 9:30 AM EST
Karen Huger may have lost the battle in court, but she is not down for the count just yet.
The "Real Housewives of Potomac" star's request to postpone her January 29 sentencing was granted, giving her a brief reprieve following her guilty verdict.
Karen Huger was convicted in December of DUI and DWI charges stemming from a March 2024 incident where she crashed her Maserati into a pole in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Karen Huger Granted Sentencing Delay In DUI Case
After being found guilty in her DUI case, the reality TV star requested a postponement of her January 29 sentencing—and the judge has approved. Huger now has until February 26 to face the court, gaining extra time to prepare her case with new legal representation.
The 61-year-old fired her previous attorneys and hired seasoned lawyers David A. Martella and Barry Helfand, who emphasized the need for more time to properly represent her.
In court filings obtained by In Touch, her team stated Huger is currently in an out-of-state rehabilitation program tailored to her case, which limits her communication.
The motion also highlighted their need to thoroughly review the case, adding, "Additional time would allow counsel to provide the Court with a meaningful and useful memorandum."
The 'RHOP' Star Lost Bid To Block Bodycam Footage In DUI Case
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Huger's legal troubles took a turn when her attempt to suppress key evidence in her DUI case was denied. The mother-of-two, who was arrested after police suspected her of driving under the influence, faced a series of charges, including negligent driving and endangering property, life, and others.
Before her trial, Huger reportedly sought to block bodycam footage and statements made to police at the scene from being presented in court. According to InTouch, she argued that an officer grabbed her arm, detained her without reading her Miranda Rights, and conducted an illegal interrogation.
Prosecutors fired back, stating her remarks were "free and voluntary." The judge ultimately sided with prosecutors, allowing the footage to be used.
The TV Personality Was Caught Slurring Words In Arrest Footage
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Before entering a private recovery program following her guilty verdict, police footage painted a clearer picture of Huger's state after her crash.
The Blast reported that footage showing Huger slurring her words and struggling to maintain balance was released after crashing into a pole near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac.
In the video, an EMT on the scene reported that Huger appeared intoxicated, "swayed on her feet, refused treatment, and verbally lashed out at first responders."
Huger's husband, Raymond, also arrived shortly after the incident, attempting to shield his wife from further questioning by police.
When officers inquired about the accident, Huger initially denied any details, though Raymond suggested she had only consumed "a couple of beers" before the crash.
Huger's 'I'm Lit!' Moment Captured On Video
The star's DUI arrest took a dramatic turn when footage of her processing at the police station saw her stumbling out of the police cruiser, exclaiming, "I'm lit!" The officer responded, "You are lit."
The video, which was shared on YouTube, saw fans reacting to the reality star's condition. One fan expressed concern, writing, "I hate this for Karen, but she, she needs help. She is stone drunk."
Another simply posted, "Not The Grand Dame!!!" emphasizing the shock of seeing Huger in such a vulnerable state. Despite the footage, Huger's legal team argued that she was "emotionally distressed," not intoxicated when the crash occurred.
Karen Huger's Response To Guilty Verdict
Although the TV star claimed to have been overwhelmed by grief while driving, she was still convicted on multiple charges. The guilty verdict on most counts except reckless driving was not enough victory for the real housewife. In response to the verdict, Huger's attorney, A. Scott Bolden, said:
"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."
Beyond DUI and DWI charges, Huger faced additional counts, including driving with suspended registration, failing to control her vehicle speed, and driving at an imprudent speed on the highway.
Although Karen Huger received a guilty verdict, the approval of her sentencing postponement shows that her legal battle is far from over as her team prepares for the next phase.