Paul Pelosi Faces Charges; New Hampshire Lawmaker Contests Speeding Violations

Paul Pelosi’s Vehicle Incident

Paul Pelosi, husband of Nancy Pelosi, has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run in Napa County. The incident involved Pelosi’s convertible and a parked car. He admitted to hitting something and drove until his vehicle became disabled.

Authorities ruled out driving under the influence, though the California DMV will reassess Pelosi’s driver’s license. This follows a previous DUI arrest in 2022.

New Hampshire Lawmaker’s Legal Challenge

State Representative Ellen Read from New Hampshire is facing accusations of driving over 100 mph and at 92 mph in separate cases. She argues that the New Hampshire Constitution offers protection during travel to or from legislative sessions. According to Read, the Constitution prevents lawmakers from being stopped or detained during these commutes.

Read’s legal argument is based on a constitutional provision from 1784. It states that lawmakers cannot be arrested while attending or traveling related to legislative duties. Read clarifies that her defense does not exempt legislators from legal accountability but focuses on travel privilege.

Court Proceedings and Responses

In December 2024 and June 2025, Read was stopped for speeding. Her petition highlights that she was driving a vehicle with a New Hampshire State Representative license plate and informed officers of her legislative travel.

Despite her arguments, a judge found Read guilty of negligent driving in August 2025, resulting in a $1,240 fine. Her license was retained with conditions such as good behavior and a safe-driving course.

She has sought the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s judgment on the constitutional matter. The court allowed her to revisit the argument in future appeals.

Read explained her choice to accept a reduced charge and acknowledged the complexity of the case. She also disputes speeding allegations, citing limitations of her vehicle.

Her office defended her position, pointing to discrepancies in the officer’s account and lack of body-camera footage. Read now advises the use of dashboard cameras for motorists.