Judge Denies Karen Huger’s Request to Dismiss DUI Case
A judge has denied Karen Huger’s request to have her DUI case dismissed following an attempt to suppress evidence and statements made during her arrest back in March.
The “Real Housewives of Potomac” star had filed a motion on July 11, claiming that she had incriminated herself during a custodial interrogation without being read her Miranda rights. Her legal team argued that the evidence against her was obtained through an illegal search and seizure. “The defendant was told she was not free to leave,” Huger’s lawyers wrote in the motion obtained by PEOPLE. “She was not read her Miranda warnings, indicating that the information she would provide them would be used in the filing of criminal charges against her.”
However, the judge ruled against her request on July 25, citing prior Supreme Court cases that indicated a roadside investigation does not require Miranda warnings. The ruling explained that Huger’s statements were not made during a custodial interrogation. Some of her statements were given while Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were tending to her for possible injuries and were considered “free and voluntary.” The judge added that these statements were made out loud while police officers were present.
The court also noted that statements made after Huger was examined by EMS personnel were not subject to custodial interrogation. These remarks were made during a temporary detention following a traffic stop, supporting the decision to deny the motion.
In addition, the filing included details about the crash scene when officers arrived. Officers allegedly found Huger’s Maserati off the road in a grassy area with deployed airbags, and two beers were reportedly discovered inside the vehicle. The documents stated that Huger appeared “unsteady on her feet, swaying, stumbling, and slurring her speech.” A witness who called 911 also reported that Huger seemed confused and that they smelled alcohol when speaking with her before police arrived.
The 61-year-old was allegedly detained for less than 10 minutes before being arrested.
