Karen Huger Is Scrambling To Hide Key Evidence In DUI Crash
Karen Huger Is Scrambling To Hide Key Evidence In DUI Crash
Karen Huger is fighting to keep key evidence from being exposed in her March 2023 DUI crash, as the Real Housewives of Potomac star scrambles to suppress critical details ahead of her upcoming trial.
Karen Huger, 61, has now accused the police of conducting an “illegal search” and is seeking to have key evidence suppressed from her upcoming trial, In Touch exclusively reports.
The Car Accident and Charges
The reality star found herself in legal trouble after crashing her 2017 Maserati in Potomac, Maryland. Court documents obtained by *In Touch* reveal that Karen was accused of crossing a median and hitting multiple street signs. She was driving alone at the time, and no other vehicles were involved.
According to TMZ, police reported that Karen had been driving aggressively and too fast for the conditions, causing her airbag to deploy upon impact. She was arrested at the scene and faced several charges, including driving under the influence, negligent driving, and endangering property, life, and person. A two-day jury trial is scheduled for December 2023.
Karen’s Legal Defense: Claims of an ‘Illegal Search’
In her motion to suppress evidence, Karen’s legal team is challenging the police’s handling of the investigation. The motion describes the moments after the crash when Karen was assisted by a neighborhood security guard, officer Kyle Baxter, and Sergeant Brett Trahan. After being checked by medical personnel in an ambulance, Karen claimed her husband arrived at the scene, and she exited the vehicle to stand with him.
However, according to Karen’s filing, things took a turn when Sergeant Trahan allegedly grabbed her arm and informed her that she was “not free to leave.” Karen’s attorney argued that the sergeant then began asking her “incriminating questions,” including where she was coming from and where she was going.
Karen recalled questioning the sergeant’s line of inquiry, to which he allegedly responded, “Because you were in an accident and appear to be impaired.” The motion further claims that officer Kyle Baxter joined the interrogation, with Karen’s lawyer stating, “As Sergeant Trahan had Karen in custody and subjected her to an illegal interrogation, officer Baxter arrived to assist.”
According to the motion, the officers continued to question Karen without reading her Miranda rights. Her attorney argued, “The evidence seized in this case was obtained as a result of an illegal search and seizure,” and that Karen’s answers were involuntary and given during an illegal custodial interrogation.
Allegations of Aggressive Police Behavior
Karen Huger’s legal team also claims that the police officers were “aggressive” during the incident. They are requesting that any statements made by Karen and the police body cam footage be suppressed as “fruit of the poisonous tree,” a legal term referring to evidence that is tainted due to an unlawful search or interrogation. Additionally, Karen has requested the dismissal of the entire case.
Prosecutors Argue Evidence Was Lawfully Obtained
In response, prosecutors have opposed Karen’s motion to suppress the evidence. They argue that the police officers followed proper procedure and that the evidence was obtained legally. The prosecution’s filing states that officers observed Karen “unsteady on her feet, swaying, stumbling, and slurring her speech.” Furthermore, a witness at the scene reportedly told officers that Karen appeared confused and that they detected the smell of alcohol during their interaction with her.
Prosecutors also argue that some of Karen’s statements were made while she was receiving medical care from EMS personnel, which would not constitute a custodial interrogation. They further stated that Karen’s subsequent statements to police were made during a lawful traffic stop, rather than an unlawful detention.
Karen’s Statement Following the Crash
Shortly after the crash, Karen addressed the situation publicly, releasing a statement to thank fans for their support and to share her perspective on the incident.
“Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes during this very frightening experience. I am still in shock from last night’s incident, but grateful to be alive today,” Karen said, reflecting on the traumatic event. She also spoke about her emotional state leading up to the accident, referencing the grief she’s experienced since losing both of her parents in 2017.
“With the passing of my Beloved Mother, grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mother’s Day approaching it has felt more like a tsunami,” Karen shared.
Karen explained that she had met a friend for dinner and discussed emotionally charged topics before the accident. “I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me. I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider, and then a tree,” she said, adding that she felt fortunate to have survived. “I’m hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive!”
She continued, “I would like to stress, it’s important to understand your emotional state when driving, and may this be a reminder to all to use their seatbelts. My Mother may be my Guardian Angel, but the seatbelt saved my life.”
What’s Next for Karen Huger?
As Karen prepares for her trial in December, her legal team remains focused on suppressing key evidence that they argue was obtained unlawfully. Meanwhile, prosecutors maintain that the evidence was gathered correctly and will be used in court.
The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays, at 8pm ET, on Bravo.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.