RHOP’s Karen Huger Seeks Leniency After DUI Arrest, Cites Withdrawal and Emotional Struggles.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger is facing a major crossroads in her life, and she's speaking out about the personal challenges that led to her DUI arrest. In a heartfelt court plea, Karen is asking for leniency in her sentencing, explaining how the devastating loss of her parents, the pressures of public life, and a struggle with anti-depressant withdrawal all played a role in her impaired state on the night of her arrest.
In Lawyer Monthly's coverage, we delve into the details of Karen’s legal battle and the emotional journey she’s been on as she seeks redemption and healing.
A Shocking Incident: The DUI Arrest
In March 2024, Karen Huger, 61, found herself at the center of a public controversy after being arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) following an incident where she crashed her 2017 Maserati into a tree. Officers at the scene believed alcohol was involved, leading to her arrest.
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In December 2024, a Maryland jury convicted Karen of DUI, negligent driving, and failure to control her speed, though the reckless driving charge was dropped. While the incident was deeply troubling, it’s not the only factor Karen has had to deal with. The reality TV star has long been open about the emotional toll of her personal life, and in this case, those struggles played a significant role in her actions that night.
Loss and Strain: The Personal Tragedy Behind the Arrest
Karen’s legal team is pushing for leniency by shedding light on the emotional weight she carried leading up to the crash. In court documents, they revealed the deep grief Karen endured after losing both of her parents within a short span of time. Her mother passed away in 2017, and just seven months later, her father followed, leaving Karen devastated and struggling to cope.
Karen believes the trauma of these losses, compounded by the pressures of her role on The Real Housewives of Potomac, led her to increase her prescribed dosage of anti-depressant medication. "The losses were devastating," her attorneys explained, noting that Karen’s emotional health was seriously compromised by the weight of these events.
Medication, Alcohol, and Impaired Judgment: A Complex Combination
While Karen has acknowledged her DUI charge, she has explained that a combination of factors, including the medications she was taking, contributed to her impaired judgment on the night of the crash. Her legal team emphasized that, although Karen drank alcohol in moderation, the combination of alcohol and anti-depressants may have amplified the effects of both substances, impairing her coordination and judgment.
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“Karen reports that her medication dosage had increased over time,” her lawyers shared. “What started as one pill after a traumatic event escalated to two pills after her parents’ deaths, all while continuing to drink socially.”
She also pointed out that her condition was exacerbated by the effects of alcohol combined with anti-depressants, something that left her unable to fully assess her coordination and behavior. This insight has brought a more human perspective to the case, as it highlights the complexity of addiction and mental health struggles.
A Wake-Up Call: Rehab and Commitment to Recovery
After her arrest and trial, Karen made the difficult decision to seek help. She entered a 28-day inpatient rehabilitation program at Beachside Recovery Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, in January 2025. This facility, known for treating alcohol and medication abuse alongside trauma, became a turning point for Karen.
Her legal team shared that, after taking her last dose of anti-depressants in December 2024, Karen experienced withdrawal symptoms just days later, waking up drenched in sweat as her body detoxed from the medication. This withdrawal, along with the experience of viewing the body camera footage from the arrest, served as a wake-up call for Karen, prompting her to take her recovery seriously.
The Court’s Response: A Plea for Leniency
While Karen's legal team has made clear her commitment to recovery, prosecutors have expressed concern about her past behavior. Karen has two prior DUI convictions, and her most recent incident led to a third charge of driving under the influence. The state has recommended a sentence of two years, with six months of executed incarceration, followed by probation. Additionally, the prosecution has requested that Karen install an interlock device on any car she drives and attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) victim impact panel.
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Despite these recommendations, Karen's legal defense has highlighted her steps toward rehabilitation and personal growth. They also pointed out that Karen’s initial lack of action in addressing her struggles was a result of her trying to maintain control over a public persona, something that became unsustainable in the face of her overwhelming personal grief.
A Turning Point: Personal Growth and Accountability
In a statement to the press, Karen’s representative praised her decision to seek help and expressed full support for her journey of recovery. "Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program and is fully supported in this choice," her rep stated. "We are proud of her for taking such a significant step forward in her personal growth."
While her legal team continues to fight for leniency, Karen's fans are hopeful that this chapter marks a fresh start for the star. As Karen works through her personal challenges and faces the consequences of her actions, the story of her DUI arrest serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities of addiction, mental health, and the pressures of living in the public eye.
