Karen Huger 'RHOP' To Return Home After Rehab Stint, Firing Lawyers.
Karen Huger, star of The Real Housewives of Potomac, is scheduled to fly home on Tuesday, January 28, following a stay at an out-of-state rehab programme. With her DUI sentencing approaching, she is preparing for the next phase of her legal journey with a new team of attorneys, Lawyer Monthly can reveal.
RHOP’ Star Karen Huger Set to Return Home Today After Rehab, Parts Ways with Lawyers
DUI Charges and Postponed Sentencing
Court documents obtained by Lawyer Monthly reveal that a Maryland judge agreed to postpone Karen's DUI sentencing from Wednesday, January 29, to February 26. The reality star, 61, was found guilty in December 2023 of driving under the influence, negligent driving, and failure to control speed to prevent a collision. However, a charge of reckless driving was dismissed.
These charges stemmed from a March 2024 incident where Karen crashed her 2017 Maserati into a tree. When police arrived at the scene, they believed Karen appeared intoxicated. She was arrested and taken to the station for questioning. The subsequent charges included driving under the influence, negligent driving, and endangering property, life, and person.
Legal Changes and Rehab
Weeks after her guilty verdict, Karen made a significant change in her legal representation, parting ways with her previous attorneys. She hired David Martella and Barry Helfand to take over her case just before the sentencing. Martella and Helfand requested the postponement of her sentencing, citing the need to catch up on the case and prepare adequately.
In court filings, the new legal team revealed that Karen had entered an out-of-state programme deemed “appropriate for this case.” The attorneys explained that the programme’s strict rules had hindered their ability to speak with Karen ahead of her sentencing. They added that Karen would return from the programme on January 28, just one day before the rescheduled sentencing date.
Although the details of the programme have not been disclosed, her legal team confirmed that Karen has not given permission to reveal further information.
Karen’s Decision to Enter Rehab
The decision to enter rehab came shortly after police released bodycam footage of Karen’s arrest, which shocked fans. In the footage, Karen can be heard making bizarre statements, including calling herself “Thomas Jefferson’s concubine” and telling an officer, “You know I hate you, right?” Another clip captured her saying, “I’m lit,” to which an officer replied, “You are lit. That’s why you’re here.”
Despite the controversial footage, Karen’s manager, Ryan Tresdale, publicly supported her decision to seek treatment. On January 9, Tresdale told People that Karen would not be attending the RHOP reunion taping due to her commitment to the rehab programme.
"Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery programme, so was unable to attend the reunion taping today," Tresdale said. "She was fully supported in this choice. We stand behind Karen as she embarks on this meaningful journey and are proud of her for taking such a significant step forward in her personal growth."
The Road Ahead
Since her guilty verdict, Karen has remained silent in public about the case. Her former attorney, A. Scott Bolden, had previously indicated plans to appeal the conviction, though this has not been pursued as of now.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision,” Bolden said at the time of the trial.
As her sentencing date approaches, Karen will face the consequences of her actions while continuing to navigate her legal and personal challenges. With her new legal team and her commitment to recovery, her journey ahead remains uncertain, but her supporters continue to stand by her as she works through this difficult chapter in her life.
