Karen Huger has been found guilty on nearly all counts after being charged with a DUI in Maryland in March.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” the
Bolden, a partner at Reed Smith law firm adds, “We continue to reserve Mrs. Huger’s right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”
After the March 19 incident, Huger, 61, was 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.
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Other charges include 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.
She was found guilty on all charges except reckless driving, her rep tells PEOPLE. The reality star is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 29.
A spokesperson for the Montgomery County Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE on March 20 that Huger had been involved in a single-vehicle collision in Potomac. Law enforcement said the television personality crossed a median and struck multiple street signs but was not injured at the time of the crash.
Authorities also reportedly told TMZ — who was first to report the news — that Huger was allegedly driving in an “aggressive manner” and very fast before the collision.
At the time of the incident, she was not arrested, however, she received several citations.
During Huger’s first day in court on Tuesday, Dec. 17, witnesses described what they noticed, with one man stating that Huger’s car allegedly smelled like alcohol, per Fox 5 DC. A volunteer EMT who responded to the scene said Huger did not want treatment and “swayed” when trying to step into the ambulance. Inside the vehicle, the EMT said Huger allegedly told them to “f— off” and “go f— yourselves” several times.
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Minutes later she complimented a female firefighter, telling her, “You’re so beautiful,” the EMT said.
The jury also saw bodycam footage on Tuesday, where one officer was seen telling Huger she was “hammered,” a claim she called “bulls—” in the footage.
Huger broke her silence on the incident in a statement to TMZ on March 20. The reality star, whose parents died within seven months of each other in 2017, said she was experiencing a moment of grief the evening of the crash.
“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,” she said. “Last night I met a girlfriend for dinner, we talked and brought up some very emotionally sensitive topics. I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me.”
She continued, “I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider, and then a tree. I’m hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive! I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident which is understandable, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away!”
Huger concluded by reminding fans to “understate your emotional state” before getting behind the wheel, crediting her mother, whom she called her “Guardian Angel,” and her seatbelt for saving her life.
The Golden Bachelor’s Mel Owens and Peg Munson Open Up About Their Slow Burn to Love
As The Golden Bachelor Season 2 nears its dramatic finale, Mel Owens and Peg Munson have become one of the show’s most captivating couples. From their first meeting to their deepening connection, their relationship has been a slow burn, but one that fans can’t help but root for. In an emotional conversation, both Mel and Peg have shared their journey of love, trust, and the gradual discovery of each other that led them to this moment.
A Relationship Built on Patience and Authenticity
Unlike many fast-paced reality TV romances, Mel and Peg’s love story has been marked by authenticity and patience. The couple didn’t rush into a whirlwind romance; instead, their connection grew over time, with each moment strengthening the bond between them. Mel, a retired NFL star turned lawyer, and Peg, a retired firefighter and bomb tech, have found comfort in each other’s company, navigating the complexities of life with quiet understanding.
“We didn’t rush things,” Mel explained during a recent interview. “It wasn’t about making grand gestures or rushing into something just because it was expected of us. We took our time, got to know each other, and let the connection grow naturally.”
For Peg, this slow approach was exactly what she needed. “I’ve been through a lot in life, and I didn’t want to jump into anything too quickly,” she said. “But with Mel, I felt safe. I felt like I could take the time I needed to open up and be vulnerable. And he respected that.”
Trust and Vulnerability: The Foundations of Their Connection
From their very first one-on-one date, it was clear that Mel and Peg shared a genuine connection. Their initial meeting set the tone for what would become a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. “When we first met, I knew she was special, but I wasn’t sure where it would go,” Mel admitted. “Over time, I started to realize that this was different. It wasn’t just about attraction — it was about finding someone who made me feel like I could be myself.”
Peg echoed this sentiment, describing how Mel made her feel comfortable right from the start. “He was patient with me, and that’s something I really appreciated. I’ve had to navigate a lot of challenges in my life, and I wasn’t looking for someone to fix it all — I wanted someone who would understand and support me. Mel did that.”
Their relationship grew through shared experiences and honest conversations. Whether it was talking about their past relationships or discussing their hopes for the future, they built a foundation of openness and emotional vulnerability.
A Slow Burn, But One That Feels Right
The couple’s relationship has been marked by moments of joy, laughter, and even the occasional emotional tear. As the weeks went by, their connection continued to deepen, with Mel and Peg both realizing that what they had was more than just a fleeting romance. It was something real and lasting.
“I think the slow burn worked because we were both in a place in our lives where we knew what we wanted,” Mel said. “We weren’t looking to rush into anything. We were just focused on getting to know each other better and seeing where it went.”
For Peg, the slow pace allowed her to be fully present in the relationship. “In my previous relationships, things moved quickly, and I didn’t always have time to process my feelings,” she explained. “With Mel, I had the space to really get to know him and understand what I was feeling. That made all the difference.”
Looking Toward the Future Together
As the season heads toward its conclusion, Mel and Peg are now facing the biggest decision of their journey: will Mel choose to propose, and will they continue to build their future together? Both have been open about their feelings for one another, and their slow-burn romance has created a sense of anticipation for fans.
“I know that I want to see where this goes,” Mel said when asked about the future. “Peg is someone I’ve grown to deeply respect and care for, and I’m excited to see where we can take this.”
Peg, too, expressed her excitement about what lies ahead. “I’m not sure where it will go, but I know that I’m ready for whatever comes next with Mel. He’s someone I can see myself building a life with.”
The Slow Burn That Turned Into True Love
Mel and Peg’s journey has proven that love doesn’t have to be rushed to be real. Their story is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the best relationships are the ones that evolve slowly, allowing for real connections to take root. As
Whether or not Mel proposes in the end, one thing is clear: Mel and Peg have found something special, and their slow burn has turned into a love story that’s bound to stand the test of time.