Karen Huger Fires Back: Accuses Police of “Illegal Search” After DUI Arrest!

Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger is pushing back against the charges stemming from her March 2023 car accident in Potomac, Maryland, where she was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). In court documents obtained by In Touch, Karen claims that police conducted an “illegal search” and violated her rights during the investigation, and she’s now asking for certain evidence to be excluded from her upcoming trial.

The Incident

In March, Karen was driving her 2017 Maserati when she lost control of the vehicle, crossed a median, and hit multiple street signs. She was driving alone, and no other cars were involved in the crash. Police reported that Karen was driving aggressively and too fast for the road conditions, leading to her airbags deploying upon impact. She was arrested at the scene and received several citations, including charges for DUI, negligent driving, endangering property, life, and other counts.

Karen Claims Police Violated Her Rights

In a legal motion filed before her December trial, Karen accused the police of conducting an illegal search and interrogation. Karen’s attorney argues that officers violated her Fourth Amendment rights by interrogating her without reading her Miranda warnings and subjected her to a custodial interrogation without proper legal procedure.

According to Karen, she was helped out of her car by a neighborhood security guard and two police officers, Sergeant Brett Trahan and Officer Kyle Baxter, who escorted her to an ambulance for a wellness check. She claims that after refusing further medical treatment, she joined her husband on the curb when Sergeant Trahan stopped them, stating, “she is not free to leave.”

Karen’s lawyer alleges that the sergeant began asking “incriminating questions,” such as “Where were you coming from and where were you going?” despite Karen asking why she was being interrogated. She says Trahan told her, “You appear to be impaired,” which led to more questioning. Karen’s legal team argues that her statements were made under duress and without proper legal safeguards, which they claim should invalidate the evidence collected during that time.

Karen further claims that the officers were aggressive, stating that the interrogation and bodycam footage that followed were part of an “illegal search and seizure.” She is now requesting that all statements and video evidence obtained after the interrogation be excluded from the trial.

Prosecutors Fight Back

Prosecutors have opposed Karen’s request to suppress the evidence. They argue that the officers had every right to question Karen based on her behavior at the scene. They noted that Karen appeared unsteady, was swaying, stumbling, and slurring her speech when officers arrived. Additionally, a witness who spoke to the police on the scene reported that Karen seemed confused and smelled of alcohol prior to the police arriving.

Prosecutors also dispute Karen’s claim of custodial interrogation, stating that some of her statements were made voluntarily while Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were treating her for potential injuries. They further contend that any statements made after she was examined by EMS were legally obtained because she was temporarily detained under a traffic stop.

Karen’s Personal Statement Following the Accident

Shortly after the accident, Karen released a statement thanking fans for their support and addressing the emotional toll the incident had on her. She explained that she had been out for dinner with a friend, where they discussed sensitive topics, and she became overwhelmed with emotion on her drive home. Karen revealed she was crying in the car when she swerved to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle, hitting a divider and crashing into a tree.

“Grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mother’s Day approaching, it has felt more like a tsunami,” Karen said, referring to the loss of both her parents in 2017. “I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away!”

Karen emphasized the importance of mental and emotional well-being while driving, urging others to stay mindful of their emotional state and to always wear seatbelts, noting that her seatbelt likely saved her life that night.

The Road Ahead

Karen’s trial is scheduled for December, where a jury will determine the outcome of the charges against her. In the meantime, her legal team continues to fight for the suppression of key evidence, arguing that her rights were violated during the police investigation.

Real Housewives of Potomac fans will be watching closely as the trial unfolds and as Karen faces these serious legal challenges.

The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.