Paul Pelosi and New Hampshire Lawmaker Legal Challenges

Paul Pelosi’s Legal Issues in Napa County

Paul Pelosi, the spouse of Nancy Pelosi, faces a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge in Napa County. The incident involved his convertible colliding with a parked car. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office reports that Pelosi admitted to hitting something but continued driving until his car was disabled. DUI was ruled out by deputies. However, the California DMV plans to re-evaluate Pelosi’s license due to the crash. This follows a previous DUI arrest in 2022.

New Hampshire Lawmaker Challenges Traffic Stops

In a separate legal matter, a Democratic New Hampshire lawmaker, State Rep. Ellen Read, faces accusations of speeding. Read was cited for driving over 100 mph in one instance and 92 mph in another. She argues that a provision in the state constitution, dating back centuries, protected her from being stopped while traveling to or from legislative sessions.

According to court documents, Read contends that the police unlawfully detained her as the constitution prevents lawmakers from being “arrested, or held to bail” during their legislative duties. She claims the charges are based on an unconstitutional stop and should be dismissed. Her first stop occurred in December 2024 on Interstate 93 in Windham, where authorities alleged she exceeded 100 mph. In June 2025, she was accused of driving 92 mph in Londonderry.

Legal Arguments and Defense

Read’s defense highlights that she drove a vehicle displaying a New Hampshire State Representative license plate during both incidents. She informed officers she was returning from a legislative session. Her legal petition clarifies she is not arguing for immunity from prosecution but protection from stops while on legislative duties.

Centering her defense is an 1784 provision in the state’s constitution, which reads, “No member of the House of Representatives, or Senate shall be arrested, or held to bail, on mesne process, during his going to, returning from, or attendance upon, the Court.” Read states this was to prevent interference with legislative work and does not exempt lawmakers from legal accountability.

Court Decisions and Further Actions

A judge dismissed Read’s argument in her first speeding case. She was found guilty of negligent driving in August 2025, fined $1,240 with part deferred, and allowed to keep her license under certain conditions. Read later petitioned the New Hampshire Supreme Court for a constitutional review, but the court declined, allowing her to revisit in future appeals.

In an Instagram statement, Read defended accepting a reduced charge for closure on the case, without pursuing an appeal on the constitutional issue. She disputes the 100 mph accusation, claiming her 2009 Toyota Yaris couldn’t reach such speeds. Her office noted the officer’s speed estimate lacked radar confirmation and argued for the use of dashboard cameras due to the lack of body-camera footage.