Paul Pelosi, the 86-year-old husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is once again facing legal trouble following a traffic incident in Napa County, California. Prosecutors announced Friday that Pelosi has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run and an additional traffic infraction after authorities say he struck a parked vehicle on July 3 and left the scene without providing the information required under California law.
According to the Napa County District Attorney’s Office, the incident occurred on Yount Street in Yountville at approximately 2:30 p.m. An eyewitness reported seeing Pelosi’s convertible collide with an unoccupied parked vehicle, described in some reports as a Tesla. The witness told authorities that the convertible briefly stopped after the impact before continuing down the road.
Deputies with the Napa County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate and later located Pelosi’s vehicle about half a mile away after it reportedly became disabled. Investigators found significant damage to the front-right portion of the convertible, damage they said was consistent with the collision involving the parked vehicle. Fortunately, no one was inside the parked car at the time of the crash, and no injuries were reported.
During the investigation, Pelosi told authorities that he knew he had struck something but was unsure exactly what it was. He also stated that he intended to return to the scene to leave his information for the owner of the damaged vehicle. Authorities conducted a preliminary alcohol screening, which showed no alcohol in his system, and investigators determined that driving under the influence was not a factor in this incident.
Napa County District Attorney Allison Haley announced on July 17 that prosecutors had filed one misdemeanor count of hit-and-run involving property damage, along with an infraction alleging Pelosi made an unlawful turn. Under California law, drivers involved in property damage collisions are required to stop and exchange identifying information. The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum penalty of six months in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Pelosi is scheduled to appear in Napa County Superior Court on August 14.
The District Attorney’s Office noted that it generally does not issue public press releases for misdemeanor hit-and-run cases involving only property damage. Officials said this case was an exception because of the significant public and media interest surrounding the defendant.
Prosecutors have also indicated they may seek additional conditions if Pelosi is ultimately placed on probation. Those conditions could include a behind-the-wheel driving evaluation and possible restrictions on his driving privileges. California law allows for up to one year of probation for this type of misdemeanor offense.
Following the incident, a spokesperson for the Pelosi family issued a brief statement addressing the matter.
“Mr. Paul Pelosi has personally apologized to the owner of the vehicle and assured them that he would take responsibility for the damage to their vehicle. Speaker Pelosi will not be commenting further on this private matter.”
The latest case inevitably draws attention because it comes just a few years after Pelosi’s highly publicized DUI conviction in the same county. In May 2022, Pelosi was involved in a collision near Oakville while driving a Porsche after attempting to cross State Route 29. Authorities later determined his blood alcohol concentration measured 0.082 percent.
Pelosi ultimately pleaded guilty to one misdemeanor count of driving under the influence causing injury. The second DUI-related charge was dismissed as part of the proceedings. He received three years of summary probation, five days in jail, a $1,723 fine, nearly $5,000 in victim restitution, completion of a three-month DUI education program, and the requirement to install an ignition interlock device for one year.
While the circumstances surrounding the current case are considerably different because investigators found no evidence of alcohol involvement, the repeat appearance of Paul Pelosi in Napa County court is certain to attract renewed public scrutiny. Supporters will point to the absence of impairment, while critics will likely question why another traffic-related case has landed him before a judge. Either way, the legal process will now determine whether prosecutors can prove the misdemeanor hit-and-run charge under California law.
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