Paul Pelosi, the husband of Nancy Pelosi, is facing a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge in Napa County. The incident involved Pelosi’s convertible hitting a parked car. The Napa County Sheriff’s Office reported that Pelosi admitted to hitting an object and continued driving until his vehicle was disabled. Although deputies ruled out driving under the influence, the California DMV will review Pelosi’s driving license due to the crash. Pelosi had a previous DUI arrest in 2022.
In an unrelated case, State Representative Ellen Read from New Hampshire argues a historical provision in the state constitution protected her from being stopped during legislative travels. Court documents reveal Read’s defense against accusations of driving over 100 mph in one instance and 92 mph in another. She argues these charges should be dismissed as the stops were unconstitutional.
Read’s first incident occurred in December 2024 when she allegedly drove above 100 mph on Interstate 93 in Windham. Authorities later claimed she drove 92 mph in a 65 mph zone in Londonderry by June 2025. Read argues the New Hampshire Constitution prevents lawmakers from being stopped while attending, on route to, or returning from the General Court. Read’s petition states she informed the police officer she was returning from the General Court during the stop.
Read clarified she does not claim immunity from prosecution due to the constitution but insists it protects her from being stopped under these conditions. Her defense references a 1784 provision of the Constitution, which aims to prevent officials from interfering with legislative responsibilities.
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has yet to interpret this provision’s breadth in over 240 years. Read contends this situation pertains to the constitution’s intent of safeguarding the commute and not indulging lawmakers to break laws.
In court, Read compared her situation to the allowances given to police or EMTs violating traffic rules during official duties. Her first case resulted in a guilty verdict for negligent driving, leading to a $1,240 fine with conditions to retain her driving license.
Read later sought the New Hampshire Supreme Court’s intervention for constitutional clarity before the second speeding charge proceeded. The court declined but allowed for future appeals. She accepted a reduced charge to conclude her matter, despite disputing that her 2009 Toyota Yaris, with over 440,000 miles, could speed over 100 mph.
Furthermore, Read questioned the absence of radar use by the officer, who estimated her speed and criticized the lack of body-camera footage. She recommended using dashboard cameras for motorists as a precaution.
Read’s challenge emphasizes the legality of the stops. Her focus remains on the unconstitutional nature of the traffic stops rather than the charges themselves, explaining this in an Instagram statement.
Reporter Greg Wehner covers U.S. news, focusing on significant developments in crime and public safety for Fox News Digital.
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