Paul Pelosi Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Hit-and-Run, Gets Probation
The husband of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi was sentenced to a year of summary probation over a July crash involving a parked car in Yountville, California.
Paul Pelosi, the husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, pleaded no contest on Tuesday to a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge in California, according to the Associated Press, NBC News and CBS News.
The plea and sentence
The case stems from a July 3 incident in Yountville, in Napa County, in which a parked car was struck. Under the plea, Pelosi was sentenced to one year of summary probation, a six-month driving ban and a 10-day work program, according to the reports. He was also ordered to pay $11,191.14 in restitution.
A no contest plea means a defendant does not admit guilt but accepts conviction and punishment. In California, it is treated the same as a guilty plea for sentencing.
Summary probation
Summary probation, sometimes called informal probation, does not require regular meetings with a probation officer. A defendant must obey the law and the conditions set by the court. Violations can lead to further penalties.
Prior case
This is not Pelosi’s first brush with the courts over driving. In 2022, he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence after a crash in Napa County and was sentenced to probation.
Later that year, Pelosi was violently attacked in the couple’s San Francisco home by an intruder who was later convicted in federal and state court.
Why it drew attention
The case drew national coverage because of the Pelosi family’s prominence. Nancy Pelosi led House Democrats for two decades and served twice as Speaker. She did not seek reelection this year.
What hit-and-run means in California
In California, a driver who damages unattended property must stop and either find the owner or leave a written note with their name and address, and report the collision to police. Failing to do so is a misdemeanor. Penalties can include fines, probation and restitution for the damage caused.
What comes next
With the plea entered and sentence imposed, the criminal case is resolved, provided Pelosi completes the terms of his probation and pays restitution.
Developing: some details in this report are preliminary or unconfirmed and are identified as such in the text.
Sources: Associated Press, CBS News, NBC News.
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