It’s been a tumultuous year for Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger, and the drama has officially left the screen and entered the courtroom. After a highly publicized DUI crash in March, Huger has now been denied a bid for work release, despite being approved for transfer to a less restrictive facility.
According to The Washington Post, the 61-year-old reality TV veteran was set to move to Montgomery County’s Pre-Release Center — a program known more for rehabilitation than punishment. “It looks more like a college dorm than a jail,” the article notes. But the final say came from Judge Terrence McGann, who firmly rejected the transfer request.
“She drew the wrong judge,” defense attorney David Moyse told the Post. “It was just horrible luck.”
Huger’s legal troubles began after a March 2024 incident in Potomac, Maryland, where she crashed her Maserati while under the influence. Police video captured Huger at the scene saying, “Oh God… I’m lit.”
Despite state guidelines recommending probation for such cases, Judge McGann opted for a much harsher sentence: 12 months in jail. He addressed the discrepancy directly, saying, “If there was ever a time to label guidelines as ludicrous, this is the time,” and cited Huger’s three prior DUIs as justification.
Instead of the Pre-Release Center — where inmates can job hunt, attend AA/NA meetings, and use facility computers — Huger will remain at Montgomery County Correctional Facility.
“Anyone who is really looking to make a change will do well here,” said Ivan Downing, who oversees community corrections, speaking about the denied facility. Huger’s attorney David Martella echoed the sentiment, calling it “a great program… more treatment-focused.”
While Karen Huger’s request for work release has been blocked, there’s still a glimmer of hope: she’s expected to be released by November if she maintains good behavior.
Her legal issues have already impacted RHOP‘s upcoming season. Bravo hasn’t confirmed whether Huger will appear in Season 10, and her absence from Season 9 is already being felt.
“Karen is 60-something years old,” co-star Gizelle Bryant told reporters. “To be going to jail at 60-something years old is a problem.”
For now, fans will have to wait and see what’s next for the self-proclaimed Grand Dame — and whether Bravo is ready to welcome her back when she’s free.