Paul Pelosi Faces New Legal Challenges with Hit-and-Run Charge

Paul Pelosi, the husband of Representative Nancy Pelosi, faces a hit-and-run charge after an incident in Yountville, California. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed this development in a press release. A spokesperson for the Pelosi family mentioned in an email to Newsweek that Mr. Paul Pelosi has apologized to the vehicle’s owner and intends to take responsibility for the damages. They also noted that Speaker Pelosi will not make additional comments on the matter.

Details of the Incident

The incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. local time on Friday in Napa County, known for its wine country. According to a statement from the sheriff’s office, witnesses reported that a brown convertible collided with a parked and unoccupied vehicle, damaging its rear. The driver then left the scene. Investigators later identified the 86-year-old Paul Pelosi as the driver. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.

Paul Pelosi was not arrested for this misdemeanor offense. However, the sheriff’s department plans to submit a driver re-evaluation referral to the California Department of Motor Vehicles due to his age. Additionally, Paul acknowledged to deputies that he was aware of hitting something but did not realize what it was. He continued driving until his vehicle became inoperable.

The sheriff’s office stated, “The investigation determined that no alcohol (0.00 on Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device) was detected during testing, therefore Driving Under the Influence was ruled out.”

Previous Legal Issues

In May 2022, Paul Pelosi pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence in Napa County. He was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation. However, he served only two days in jail, receiving good conduct credit for two days. He completed his sentence with one day in a work program at the local courthouse.

As part of his probation, Paul was required to attend a three-month drinking driver class and install an ignition interlock device on his vehicle. He was also ordered to pay approximately $5,000 in victim restitution and nearly $2,000 in fines.

A report from the San Francisco Examiner in 1957 highlighted that at age 16, Paul was involved in a car crash that resulted in the death of his 19-year-old brother, David Pelosi. A neck brace David wore at the time was reported to have “probably strangled” him when the vehicle overturned.

Paul Pelosi’s Background

Paul Pelosi previously attracted attention when he was attacked in his San Francisco home in October 2022. An intruder assaulted him with a hammer, resulting in multiple injuries. He underwent surgery for a skull fracture and injuries to his arm and hands. The attacker, David DePape, sought Nancy Pelosi, who was not present during the attack. DePape received a 30-year prison sentence.

Paul manages Financial Leasing Service, a venture capital investment and consulting firm. He formerly owned the Sacramento Mountain Lions football team. Born and raised in San Francisco, he married Nancy in 1963.