Nancy Pelosi's Husband Officially Charged with DUI

Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Officially Charged with DUI

Nancy Pelosi’s Husband Officially Charged with DUI, Faces Jail Time and Lengthy Probation: What’s Next?

According to CBS, Paul Pelosi, 82, was charged by the Napa County District Attorney’s Office with one count of driving with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher and one count of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury.

Faces Jail Time and Lengthy Probation: What’s Next?

Was He Drunk?

Nancy Pelosi has been married to San Francisco native Paul Pelosi since 1963. The two are parents of five children.

The district attorney in Napa County, Allison Haley, said in a statement,

“Under California law, these charges can be filed as a misdemeanor or felony.”

Hence, based on the severity of the victim’s injuries, the district attorney will file misdemeanor charges. The decision corresponds with how the district attorney’s office deals with DUI cases with similar types of injuries.

The Accident

On May 28, Paul Pelosi was in his Porsche and was driving across a state road when he collided with a Jeep in Napa County. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, California Highway Patrol authorities stated that both motor vehicles had “major collision damage” due to the car accident.

The criminal complaint stated that Paul was “the proximate cause of the collision.” At the time, Paul Pelosi claimed to have attended a dinner party in the town of Oakville and was traveling alone when he got into the accident. He was “fully cooperative” with law enforcement.

According to the Chronicle, California Highway Patrol authorities observed physical signs of intoxication from Mr. Paul Pelosi, and his eyes seemed “watery.” The criminal complaint stated that Pelosi was unstable on his feet, smelled like alcohol, and had slurred speech.

Furthermore, the complaint also reported that Pelosi displayed signs of intoxication during field sobriety tests, the Chronicle claimed.

California Highway Patrol Confirms High BAC

Pelosi’s blood alcohol content level was 0.082 percent when it was tested on May 29 at 12:32 am in Napa County, shortly after he was arrested, according to the district attorney’s office.

The Jeep’s driver complained of shoulder, arm, and neck pain after the incident and claimed to be experiencing headaches that he hadn’t before the accident. Paul Pelosi and the other motor vehicle driver declined medical attention at the scene of the collision.

The Consequences for Paul Pelosi Under San Francisco Law

Paul Pelosi could be sentenced to up to five years of probation and at least five days in jail if found guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol and causing injury. According to the Chronicle, he might also be required to attend a court-mandated “drinking driver class” or install an “ignition interlock device” in his car.

Paul Pelosi’s spokesperson refused to comment, as the San Francisco Chronicle mentioned. Nancy Pelosi wasn’t with her long-term husband when the incident occurred. When the accident happened, Nancy Pelosi was on the East Coast. Nancy Pelosi is the representative for San Francisco’s 12th congressional district. The Chronicle also stated that Pelosi’s husband was released as he promised to appear in court for his arraignment on August 3. He was given a $5,000 bail to get out of jail the next day.

Is He Receiving Special Treatment Since Nancy Pelosi Is His Wife?

According to Fox News, Fox News commentator Jesse Watters claimed that Paul is receiving “liberal privilege” since the video from the police officer who dealt with Paul Pelosi’s accident hasn’t been made public. Watters said this is the only reason the body cam and dash cam footage from that evening have not yet been released. The video belongs to California Highway Patrol, and they claim that the district attorney won’t share the information; however, the DA is giving them a different story.

He added that their counsel submitted documents to both parties requesting the disclosure of the full video along with explanations. Watters stated that all they’re asking for is transparency. Lastly, he added that they would file a lawsuit if they didn’t receive a response.

What Does a DUI Arrest Mean?

Driving under the influence means you have alcohol or other drugs in your system while going.

The following are essential factors to take note of:

What Happens Immediately After Getting Arrested for a DUI?

According to the law, the officer must submit a sworn report to the DMV along with a copy of the completed Notice of Suspension or Revocation form and any driver’s licenses, including a commercial driver’s license, they have in their possession. DMV automatically initiates an administrative review that looks at the report from the officer, the order suspending or revoking your license, and any test results. You are entitled to ask the DMV for a hearing within ten days of receiving the suspension order.

How Do You Get Your Driver’s License Back?

After the suspension, your driver’s license will be reissued as long as you pay the DMV a $125 reissue charge and submit documentation of your financial stability.

If you were suspended due to violating the Zero Tolerance Law and were under 21, the reissue charge stays at $100. You can apply for a new driver’s license at a DMV field office if it is found that there is no justification for the revocation. Similar procedures apply to commercial drivers.

How Long Is Your Driving License Suspended if You Take a Chemical Test?

If you are at least 21 years old and a breath, blood sample, or urine test revealed that you had a blood alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher causing injury:

  • A four-month suspension follows the first infraction.
  • A one-year penalty will be applied for a second or subsequent infraction within ten years.

Your driving privileges will be revoked for one year if you are under 21 years old, underwent a PAS test or another chemical test, and the findings revealed a BAC of 0.01 percent or more and higher, causing injury.

What Happens If You Were on DUI Probation?

Suppose you’re on court-ordered probation for a DUI conviction. In that case, an officer serves you an instant order of suspension if your blood alcohol level, as determined by a PAS device or other chemical test, is 0.01 percent or above. This is an APS activity. The placement of an ignition interlock device depends on the judge, the state, and the DUI history.

Call Ehline Law Firm Today

Dealing with a conviction for driving under the influence can be pretty challenging, even if you’re the husband of Nancy Pelosi, which is why you need legal representation. There are many factors to consider; for example, you do not have to take field sobriety tests if the officer did not have reasonable cause to believe you were intoxicated. An experienced attorney can help you identify these things to ensure you’re treated fairly. If you’re facing a DUI charge, contact us today at (833) LETS-SUE for a free case evaluation.