It’s hard to believe that Karen Huger is sitting in a jail cell right now, but actions have consequences. Earlier this year, the former grande dame of The Real Housewives of Potomac was sentenced to 12 months behind bars for her role in a drunk driving accident.
According to new court records, Karen recently applied for a work-release program. If approved, she would have been removed from the Montgomery County Jail and transferred to a much nicer rehabilitation center. Unfortunately for Karen, a judge just denied her request.
RHOP star Karen Huger has been denied a work release

The Washington Post reported on all of the details regarding Karen’s failed attempt at a work release. Their legal experts explained that inmates become eligible for work release within 12 months of their release. Since Karen’s sentence is relatively short, she basically filed for a work release as soon as she got into her orange jumpsuit.
Of course, the idea of a “work release” for Karen makes it sound like she’s trying to get back in front of the Bravo cameras. However, that’s not the case. She wasn’t trying to make a bid for RHOP Season 10.
This work release program requires inmates to kick off each day by applying for jobs. Those roles have to meet specific criteria. The jobs have to be within walking distance or accessible via public transportation. Plus, they have to be in an alcohol-free environment and not involve being filmed. Obviously, that would completely rule out working on Housewives.
Per the court documents, Karen was hoping to spend the time in the work-release center focusing on her treatment and engaging in an outpatient rehabilitation program. Upon reviewing the request, Judge Terrence McGann denied the request, which means Karen will stay behind bars in a traditional jail environment.
Although this wasn’t the news Karen and her lawyer hoped for, it’s not all bad news for Karen. She has supposedly been on her best behavior since her sentence, they predict she’ll be released in November 2025, just a few months earlier than anticipated.
The Real Housewives of Potomac is streaming on Peacock and Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT KAREN’S WORK RELEASE GOT DENIED? DO YOU HAVE ANY WORDS OF SUPPORT FOR KAREN AND HER FAMILY?