Wow! This was surprising to see.
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, has been formally charged after prosecutors alleged he left the scene of a property-damage crash earlier this month in Napa County, California.
The Napa County District Attorney’s Office announced Friday that the 86-year-old faces one misdemeanor hit-and-run charge along with a traffic infraction for an alleged unsafe turning movement connected to the July 3 incident.
If convicted, Pelosi could face penalties allowed under California law, though the charges remain allegations and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Key Takeaways
- Paul Pelosi has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run following a July 3 crash.
- Prosecutors allege he struck a parked Tesla before leaving the scene.
- Authorities say deputies later located him about a half-mile away.
- His first court appearance is scheduled for August 14 in Napa County Superior Court.
Prosecutors Detail Allegations
According to the criminal complaint, Pelosi was driving a burgundy Maserati convertible when it allegedly struck a legally parked Tesla.
Investigators claim he left the area without attempting to identify the vehicle’s owner or leaving the information required under California law. Deputies later found Pelosi roughly a half-mile from the crash site, where authorities say he told officers he intended to return.
The criminal complaint forms the basis for one misdemeanor hit-and-run charge involving property damage and a separate traffic infraction.
Officials have not alleged that anyone was injured during the incident.
District Attorney Makes Rare Public Announcement
The Napa County District Attorney’s Office said it does not normally issue public announcements for misdemeanor hit-and-run cases involving only property damage.
However, prosecutors said the office chose to publicly release the charges because of the significant public and media interest surrounding the case.
The office also released a copy of the criminal complaint outlining the allegations against Pelosi.
Previous Legal Issues Draw Renewed Attention
The latest charges have also renewed attention on Pelosi’s prior driving history.
In 2022, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DUI following a separate crash in Napa County. As part of that case, he received probation, paid fines and restitution, completed a court-ordered DUI education program, and was required to install an ignition interlock device in his vehicle.
According to The New York Times, public records also show Pelosi has received several traffic citations over the years in multiple Bay Area counties. Those reported violations included speeding, driving the wrong way on a one-way street, using a cellphone without a hands-free device, and failing to stop at a red light.
The newspaper also reported that Pelosi was involved in a 1957 automobile accident in San Mateo County that resulted in the death of his 19-year-old brother. A jury later determined he was not legally responsible for that crash.
What Happens Next?
Paul Pelosi is scheduled to appear in Napa County Superior Court on August 14, where the criminal case will begin moving through the judicial process.
The court will determine the next steps as prosecutors present their case and Pelosi has the opportunity to respond to the allegations.
As with all criminal proceedings, the filing of charges does not constitute a finding of guilt. Under the U.S. legal system, Paul Pelosi is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Leave a Reply