‘Real Housewives’ Who Have Gone To Prison or Gotten In Trouble With The Law

The ‘Real Housewives’ franchise on Bravo is full of the drama we all love. Especially when there is actual truth behind it. Disrespectful comments, shady innuendos, and even physical fighting is about as real as it gets. Some of these women get candid and in your face about their name in your mouth or in ‘the streets.’ And sometimes when those streets come knocking, it’s the police. Now jail is nowhere anyone wants to be, but in some situations it’s warranted. Theft, Fraud, and even DUI’s are part of the list of charges these ladies have racked up. Here are a few Real Housewives that have been arrested or been to ‘The Big House.’

Porsha Williams of Real Housewives of Atlanta was arrested and held in jail without bond in 2020. This was in protest to Breonna Taylor’s death that happened in Louisville. The charges of disorderly conduct and trespassing were later dropped and Porsha did not serve actual prison time.

Teresa Giudice with The Real Housewives of New Jersey served 11 months in prison for her involvement in mail, wire and bankruptcy fraud with her then husband Joe. Her husband served 41 months is prison and was then deported back to his native country of Italy, back in 2019.

Jen Shah of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City was sentenced to 6 and a half years in prison for defrauding hundreds of people with a telemarketing scheme in 2023. Just recently her sentence was reduced, which now means she will be released in November 2026.

Luann de Lesseps is a former housewife with The Real Housewives of New York City.  She was arrested in 2017 after reportedly attacking a police officer in Palm Beach, Florida. She was charged with public disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest. Luann avoided jailtime by agreeing to a plea deal.

Karen Huger with the Potomac cast was sentenced to 1 year in jail in 2025 for a DUI, after she was arrested in 2024. We all saw the viral video of Karen speaking to the officer with slurred speech. Her reckless driving endangered the lives of so many people and herself. Karen originally was sentenced to 2 years. But since this was her first offense the judge suspended 1 year. ‘The Grand Dame’ won’t be having anything grand for quite a while.

Now here are a few Real Housewives that have been arrested but not jailed:

Real Housewives of Atlanta star Marlo Hampton has had many run ins with the law, but has not been to jail. She has been candid about her experience and criminal history. All incidents happened before her stint on RHOA.

Also of the Atlanta cast, original peach holder, Nene Leakes was arrested in 1992 and charged with a misdemeanor and three felony counts of theft. Nene does not shy away from letting things from her past be known. She makes sure to stand on business and stay real.

Now this next one is not a Real Housewife, but a Real Husband. Ashly Darby is a member of The Real Housewives of Potomac and was married to Michael Darby. In 2018 Michael was charged with felony assault and improper sexual conduct. He allegedly groped a cameraman while filming an episode of the show. The charges were later dropped because there was not enough evidence.

Brandy Glanville was a cast member of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. In 2010 she was arrested on DUI charges. The Beverly Hills Police Department stated she was stopped on Sunset and failed a sobriety test.

Not only do these reality stars have drama on screen, but in their real lives as well. Fraud, DUI’s, fighting with the police while being intoxicated or for a good cause; these ladies (mostly) face the system head on and keep us tuned in. Hopefully no other Housewives get arrested any time soon.