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NEED TO KNOW
- Karen Huger has been released from prison six months after being taken into custody for her DUI conviction
- A jury found the reality star guilty of DUI, DWI and other charges in December 2024 following her arrest that March
- Before reporting to prison in February, Huger entered a treatment program, although she later explained that she is “not an alcoholic”
Karen Huger is a free woman.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star, 62, was released from prison on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after six months behind bars, PEOPLE can confirm. She was initially set to serve one year for her drunk driving case, but was released early.
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Huger was originally sentenced to two years behind bars with one year suspended, as well as five years’ probation.
The reality star was arrested in March 2024 after crashing into a street sign three miles away from her house. In Bodycam footage later released from the scene, Huger was visibly intoxicated as she stumbled and slurred her words while talking to the police.
She admitted to having “a couple of beers” and even went on to mention her RHOP boss Andy Cohen. Huger was ultimately charged with a DUI and DWI, negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life, and person, as well as recklessly driving a vehicle in wanton and willful disregard for the safety of persons and property.
Other charges included failure to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision, driving a vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed on the highway, driving a vehicle on the highway with suspended registration and failure to notify administration of change of address within 30 days.
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In December, Huger was found guilty on all charges except reckless driving by a Maryland jury.
At the time, her then-attorney, A. Scott Bolden, told PEOPLE that they were “disappointed” by the verdict but “respect” the jury’s decision.
“We continue to reserve Mrs. Huger’s right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf,” he added. “We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”
The following month, Huger entered a private recovery program in Florida, later explaining she wanted to “get to the bottom” of “taking antidepressants and drinking.”
As a result, she had to have her sentencing pushed back and the “Grand Dame” also missed the RHOP season 9 reunion. However, she made a brief appearance in two separate videos where she addressed the incident.
“No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she said of her relationship with alcohol, before telling her fans, “do as I say, not as I do.”
She also revealed her reaction to her guilty verdict, saying, “My heart dropped.”
“This is very frightening but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident,” she shared, noting that her top priority 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.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
