Paul Pelosi Faces Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run Charge in Napa County

Paul Pelosi, husband of Nancy Pelosi, is charged with a misdemeanor hit-and-run in Napa County due to an incident involving his convertible and a parked car.

The Napa County Sheriff’s Office reported that Pelosi admitted to hitting an object but continued driving until his car became disabled. Deputies ruled out DUI, though the California DMV will reassess Pelosi’s license post-crash. Notably, he was previously arrested for DUI in 2022.

Democratic Lawmaker Argues Against Speeding Charges

Ellen Read, a Democratic lawmaker from New Hampshire, faces accusations of speeding over 100 mph in one case and 92 mph in another. According to court documents from Fox News Digital, she claims a centuries-old state constitution provision protects her from being stopped while traveling to or from legislative sessions.

In December 2024, Read allegedly drove over 100 mph on Interstate 93 in Windham. A subsequent incident in June 2025 involved driving at 92 mph in a 65 mph zone in Londonderry.

Constitutional Argument for Legislative Protection

Read argues police unlawfully detained her, citing constitutional protection from arrest during legislative travel.

Read’s petition emphasized her role as a sitting member of the House, using a state license plate and informing deputies of her return from the General Court. She clarified she isn’t claiming immunity from prosecution, but protection from being stopped.

The defense relies on a 1784 constitutional provision stating no representative shall be arrested during travel related to the Court.

She asserts this law aimed to prevent officials from hindering lawmakers rather than exempting them from legal consequences.

Case Outcomes and Court Decisions

A judge dismissed Read’s constitutional argument in her first speeding incident. She was found guilty of negligent driving in August 2025, fined $1,240 with conditions including keeping her license contingent on good behavior and completing a safe-driving course.

Although Read petitioned the New Hampshire Supreme Court to review the constitutional aspect before her second speeding trial, the court declined.

Read defended her actions on Instagram, stating she accepted the reduced charge to close the case without appealing the constitutional issue. Her office contested allegations of driving over 100 mph, arguing her 2009 Toyota Yaris, with over 440,000 miles, couldn’t reach such speeds. The officer reportedly based speed estimation on pursuit acceleration, lacking radar or clock usage.

For further accountability, Read’s office encourages using dashboard cameras in vehicles.