Pelosi's husband arrested for DUI

[Polybius]

Source: CNN

(CNN)House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband was arrested for driving under the influence, according to the Napa County Criminal Justice Network's public booking report.

Paul Pelosi, 82, was arrested at 11:44 p.m. PT Saturday and charged with driving under the influence and driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher, the public booking report says. Both charges are misdemeanors.

Bail was set at $5,000 according to the booking report and records indicate he was released Sunday morning.

CNN has reached out to the Napa County Sheriff's Office for additional details.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/29/politics/paul-pelosi-arrested-dui/index.html

[DonCoquixote]

1. dam*it

You the GOP is going to cook any crumb into a bakery. All the same, why do people in the public eye act stupid?

[COL Mustard]

3. Unfortunately, the statistics show that if someone gets arrested for DUI/DWI

They've typically done it 100 times or more and gotten away with it. It's a very expensive mistake...usually about $10,000 when you factor in the court costs, the higher insurance premiums, towing, etc. etc. Not worth it. And yeah, if you know you're a public figure, just take an Uber or hire a limo.

[Polybius]

14. Especially at 82

And especially a politician or husband/wife of one. Usually police will let it slide for them.

[Brenda]

18. What?

I don't believe that for a second. The part about typically done it 100 times or more. Number one it's not that expensive except maybe in California. Number two nobody gets out of that situation alive... driving drunk 100+ times!

A small percentage of people getting DUIs are repeaters but most people get a DUI and say "oh shit " and don't make that mistake again.

[COL Mustard]

20. $10K is not a number I made up.

And welcome to DU!

https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/family-finance/articles/how-much-does-a-dui-cost

[Brenda]

26. Thanks for the welcome, COL

Quotes from your link:

Peter Liss, a criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, says that the total cost of a DUI could easily reach $10,000.

As I said, California.

Nick Wilder, a New York City trial attorney who specializes in driving while impaired or intoxicated cases, says: "If you run into the problem of DUI, there are three main expenses – criminal penalties, an insurance increase and attorney fees."

The penalties, Wilder adds, "vary considerably, depending on your blood alcohol content and how many times you have been caught."

Again, New York City. Can't compare small town/city DUI costs to NYC or Napa.

Insurance increase usually doesn't happen the first time.

Attorney fees? Pfft.

Most people who get DUI's don't have attorneys. They use bail bondsmen.

Edited to add: not defending Mr. Pelosi's actions.

[COL Mustard]

29. I imagine he can afford an attorney

To plead down to reckless driving or something. And he can afford to take an Uber or a car service anywhere he goes. It's cheaper!

[Brenda]

32. No doubt

Mr. Pelosi can do all of those things.

I was simply responding to your claim that if someone gets arrested for DUI/DWI they've typically done it 100 times or more and gotten away with it.

Just not true.

[COL Mustard]

37. I read that someplace years ago.

I wish I could remember where. But the bottom line is, when you get arrested, you've gotten away with it many other times where you didn't get caught.

[Brenda]

42. Where did 100 come from?

You were just exaggerating about the number of times people drive drunk before they get busted. Because...

how would you know that?

I bet lots and lots, lets say hundreds of people drive home from bars every fucking weekend in America and they are above the legal limit and don't get caught!

Oh crap, I almost agreed with your outlandish statement.

[COL Mustard]

61. Apparently I pulled it out my 4th point of contact.

OK, not really, I read it someplace a long time ago but I can't remember where. The article I posted links to the FBI, and I suppose you could take it or leave it. I think people drive a lot without getting caught before they finally do.

[intelpug]

83. 100+

Sorry, but the hell it isn't true. Maybe it isn't so likely in urban areas with highly congested traffic, but,, in rural areas I would find 100+ times to be actually a damn low number as far as that go's for a lot of people, it's apples and oranges here. When I was younger in the early eighties there was no stigma attached to it, the law had a higher tolerance for it then and unless some one was REALLY reckless or belligerent often the cops would just make them park the car and personally take them home. In rural areas this has still carried forth to some extent, after the bars close a long drive home, few if any other cars on the road, and paper thin stretched law enforcement. I knew people for whom it was a weekly ritual for 25 years or so that never did get pulled over for it, not even once till health, old age or other issues stopped them.

[COL Mustard]

40. Teh Google is my friend

I apparently overstated it, but the FBI says 80.

https://fox17.com/news/local/fbi-average-drunk-driver-has-driven-drunk-more-than-80-times-before-first-arrest

[Brenda]

49. The article you linked says

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the average drunk driver has driven drunk more than 80 times before their first arrest

But the article shows no FBI statistics or links to that claim.

C'mon, that sounds outrageous. Do you really think people drive around drunk 80 times before they get busted for DUI.

Now if you want to talk about people driving around with multiple DUI's, hell yeah, that happens.

Just trying to keep it real here.

[Lucky Luciano]

80. I dunno...the statistic doesn't sound far fetched to me.

Just like speeding…how many times does one speed before getting caught…probably hundreds of times in that case.

I knew some people when I was younger who drove over the limit a bunch of times without getting caught. I hope they are less stupid now.

[LakeArenal]

94. you apparently never drove after bar time in Wisconsin.

Even at twice a week 50 weeks a year is 100 times.

[SergeStorms]

31. In New York...

you're required to have an attorney for any DWI/DWAI case now. That will usually run you at least $1000, even for a first offense.

They don't mess around anymore.

[Brenda]

36. Thanks for the NY update

But again, NY and California ain't all of the USA.

That sucks for a first offense, but I guess it's a good deterrent.

[dsc]

78. How can they require that

you can act as your own attorney in a murder case for crying out loud, I can't see how they can possibly require you to have one for dwi.

[SergeStorms]

81. I suppose....

if you intend to plead guilty and have the full extent of the charges leveled against you.......sure, have at it. You'll probably never drive again (there would be a minimum of 10 years before you could reapply for a driver's license) and a nice, stiff $5k fine, but sure.....defend yourself.

[PoliticAverse]

86. Seems an unconstitutional requirement to me. n/t

[progree]

35. "Insurance increase usually doesn't happen the first time." - it does with USAA

[Brenda]

39. Well I did say usually doesn't happen

Again, good deterrent for DUI to raise the rates.

[progree]

45. How do you know it usually doesn't happen? nt

[quakerboy]

48. According to who?

Which insurance company ignores dui? I'm sure there are a lot of drinkers out there interested in the magic insurance that doesn't pay attention to your driving record.

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rate-increase-after-dui/

Meanwhile, Forbes, if you believe them, says if you get a dui, your gonna get an average 74% increase in insurance costs. That took 4 seconds on Google.

[Brenda]

50. According to my personal observations

over the years.

But obviously things have changed. Don't know if I can believe Forbes or not but that's a hefty increase for a first DUI.

Consider me educated.

Thanks quakerboy.

[33taw]

34. $10,000 is not high. If you have to pay for alcohol classes, fees, fines, costs, attorney fees,

time away from work.... $10,000 adds up quickly in any state. I doubt it is an issue for Nancy Pelosi's husband.

[progree]

72. Or if you are fired outright. Or not hired. Or a landlord won't rent to you

In one my drivers ed classes for seniors, an instructor mentioned that some companies will fire someone outright if they get a DUI, not just on company time using a company vehicle, but on their own time using their own vehicle as well. One I remember him saying was Time Warner, but over the years I've read about others.

Some factor past DUIs and other midemeanors and felonies in their hiring decisions. Some landlords too. Cumulatively, this probably adds up to a lot more than $10,000 in lost opportunity costs. In some states this isn't supposed to happen but it does.

In Minnesota, they don't erase first time DUIs from one's record.

[quakerboy]

46. I know way way too many

And most never get "caught".

One elder relative was known as the town drunk.. and held the title in a decent size suburb for over 30 years.

To the best of my knowledge during that period he never drove not drunk. And never got a dui. Cops knew him, at worst he got to "sleep it off" in a cell till his wife showed up

[Brenda]

51. Sounds like Otis

Such is life in Mayberry.

[COL Mustard]

64. Great minds!

I posted the same damn thing without seeing yours!

[COL Mustard]

63. Otis from Mayberry.

I know the type too. Hell, I'm related to several. Don't drink and drive. It ain't worth it. Uber is cheaper.

[LiberalArkie]

54. My neighbor for over 10 years has never driven NOT DRUNK. His first DUI was at 12 years old.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

56. He's spot on. Here in AL it can cost between 5-10K just to retain a good DUI lawyer.

You can spend up to 10 years in prison for a third DUI and DUI's stay on your record forever.

[LiberalArkie]

57. He can afford it.

Paul Pelosi is an American businessman who has a net worth of $120 million.

[barbtries]

58. you can believe it.

I've heard 80 as the number, but the number of people out there driving over the limit is huge, and most of them never get caught.

[oldsoftie]

65. Hell, I know someone who probably did it 1000 times before he got caught.

if not MORE. He didnt get caught till he was 55.

[BWdem4life]

69. I drove drunk for 20 years

Average probably twice a month before being arrested for it. (Pulled over twice during that whole 20 years, no ticket either time.)

So, 20x25=500 times for me. Sometimes "carefully", sometimes wildly.

Maybe I'm an outlier... but based on the other people driving home from the same bars, I'd bet not.

When I requested a deferred prosecution, I was asked by the judge if I thought there was a chance I would commit the violation again without alcohol treatment (which I had already started), I said, "A very good chance, your honor." The judge and everyone else in the courtroom laughed knowingly.

So, yes, based on my experience, most people drive drunk over and over until they get a DUI. Also, even with the deferred prosecution, I lost my job, had to pay monthly for SR-22 insurance, blow-and-go, court fees, outpatient treatment, etc etc etc. $10,000? It was way more than that, but I never tried to count it all up.

[Beautiful Disaster]

71. Maybe not 100 times but I read a stat years ago that confirmed a high number...

A person who receives their first DUI will have driven, on average, at least 80 times drunk before they're caught. It's very rare that someone gets behind the wheel once drunk and just happens to get caught.

I will also admit to having driven drunk many times when I was young and dumb and I never once got a DUI. I am very fortunate that I didn't get one - or worse, get in an accident. But absolutely, most people who get DUIs have driven multiple times drunk previously and just haven't been caught.

BTW, here is where I found that 80 time (I had heard it years ago too):

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-driving-under-influence#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20a%20drunk%20driver,that%20everybody%20gets%20home%20safe.

[NullTuples]

84. 80 times, on average [link]

With CDC citation footnote

https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-driving-under-influence#:~:text=On%20average,%20a%20drunk%20driver,in%20a%20drunk%20driving%20crash.]

[jimfields33]

9. He a multi millionaire. Get a driver if your going to drink!!!!

[NullTuples]

85. Some multimillionaires figure the same laws don't apply.

Most of the time they're right.

But not always.

[bucolic_frolic]

2. Not a problem at all, he didn't do the GOP South Dakota maneuver

Splat, leave scene, thought it a deer strike, even though the glasses of the deceased were in his car.

https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/south-dakota-house-moves-impeach-ag-after-fatal-crash-n1258708

[LenaBaby61]

23. THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

[MyOwnPeace]

27. As I'm sure the 'Pukes' will bring this up............

the case of the SD AG needs to be brought up EVERY TIME - they were BOTH wrong - appropriate justice needs to be applied....

And yeah, Mr. Speaker Pelosi should have known better - something that should have been a serious #1 rule when out in public!

[snowybirdie]

4. And we're supposed to

think that affects her how? BTW, silly old fart should have a driver. He's rich.

[jimfields33]

11. The bail at 5 grand is very low.

[PoliticAverse]

15. Why is there any bail? Is he a flight risk? n/t

[rpannier]

25. According to the Kraut Law Group website

While bail is not mandatory, 5k bail is fairly standard for 1st time
There is a very low tolerance for people who DUI, especially if they have money
I am guessing that they feel if you've done it once, you've done it several times before, so they probably feel there is some risk

[FBaggins]

22. It's actually the norm for a first time DUI in CA

Assuming nobody was hurt

On edit - That's what I found for LA. Some assumptions are involved.

[louis-t]

5. He also didn't yell "Don't you know who I am!"

And then try to drive away. That's also a Republican move.

[LenaBaby61]

24. THIS 👆🏻👆🏻👆🏻

[milestogo]

59. Sorry, but there have been Democrats who said that too.

[Irish_Dem]

6. Dems have to be perfect while GOP are ruthless sociopaths on a crime spree.

[MyOwnPeace]

28. Yes indeed!

And when is the last time you heard any Repuke 'recoil' or 'worry' about image when busted for ANYTHING!
Hell, they double down on it - like a badge of honor!

[karin_sj]

7. Arghh...

Fox and the other right wingers are going to latch onto this like there's no tomorrow.

[KS Toronado]

12. I can already hear F**ker Carlson

"I'm just asking the question"

[agingdem]

38. and the response should be...

"Ginni Thomas, wife of Justice Thomas, was personally involved in a coup to overthrow the government of the United State and you said nothing..but Nancy Pelosi's 80 year old husband has too much Pinot Noir in wine country and you're demanding her head on a platter?...go away"

[oldsoftie]

66. excellent response.

[Zeitghost]

77. Classic "whataboutism"

Ginni Thomas has nothing to do with Mr. Pelosi's poor choice. He's a big boy, he can take some heat for his decisions.

[hermetic]

8. Damn

We'll never hear the end of this. SMDH.

[Historic NY]

10. Too much sampling wine...

[snowybirdie]

17. Been there

Done that! Smarter now and don't drive if I do.

[Baitball Blogger]

19. He needs to be introduced toUber

[SergeStorms]

13. Republican righteous indignation in 3...2...1.

They'll do or say anything to get the attention away from guns.

That said, what the hell is an 82 year old man doing behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol? C'mon, Paul. You're old enough to know better. That's showing very poor judgment. 😕

[agingdem]

16. so what!...if we don't care, if we don't go

Last edited Sun May 29, 2022, 07:14 PM - Edit history (2)

all OMG Chicken Little, the story goes away...if Peter Douchebag brings it up at the next presser, Jean-Pierre should say..."an 18 year old kid walked into a gun shop and walked out with two assault weapons because Governor Abbott said he could...that same 18 year old kid used that Abbott-sanctioned assault weapon to take the lives of 19 children and two adults..and you think an 80 year old man getting tipsy on wine in wine country is really the question you want to ask?...next?

[MyOwnPeace]

30. GREAT analysis for a response!

"Yeah, you got this - well, tell me this, we have 21 dead. Is THAT what you're concerned about............."

[IcyPeas]

21. Things like this give them their "bothsiderism" arguments.

and yes - get a friggen taxi.

[Mr. Sparkle]

33. I guess that's his career in politics over, oh wait.

[paleotn]

41. Crap. He's human. He made a mistake. He'll pay the price.

Republicans will make hay of it, but so what. They'd just make stuff up otherwise.

[truthisfreedom]

43. He's not in government.

He’s just married to someone who is.

[NJCher]

44. ahem

Based on remarks from Nancy's kids, I don't think I'd want to be one telling her I needed $5k bail to be able to get home after a DUI.

Who wants to bet she'll be the first one kicking his butt?

Remember what happened with Prince Phillip? He was 97 at the time that he overturned his Range Rover. Prior to that he had.....

snip
not shown any inclination to give up driving despite his advanced years, and was photographed behind the wheel driving the then US president, Barack Obama, and the first lady, Michelle Obama, on their visit to Windsor in 2016.

The duke later surrendered his driving licence after the incident, and the Crown Prosecution Service took no further action.

snip

The incident they are referring to is when he crashed the RangeRover into the hedge and overturned it.

Link: https://www.swlondoner.co.uk/news/09042021-prince-philip-car-crash-a-look-back

OTOH, with Mr. Pelosi's $$ he can probably get a good lawyer to make sure the test was at least done properly. They aren't always.

[Sick_n_Tired]

47. Drunk driving kills

More than mass shootings, year in and year out. At 82 he knows better, he simply felt he was “ok” which is dangerously arrogant. Shame on him. And shame on the Speaker for not publicly condemning. Had this been Melania, she would be screaming from the rooftops. Double standards are unattractive and unbecoming.

[orleans]

70. oh yes, melania was a saint and always spoke out against her pos husband's wrong doing

and shame on pelosi for not condemning?

wtf???

oh, and welcome to du?

[No Vested Interest]

87. The double standard is in your mind. Melania did not speak out, and you have no idea

what Speaker Pelosi is thinking or doing in this regard.

[hedda_foil]

52. At his age, he may have had only a glass or two of wine with dinner to spike blood alcohol.

Several factors combine to make drinking — even at normal levels — an increasingly risky behavior as you age. Your ability to metabolize alcohol declines. After drinking the same amount of alcohol, older people have higher blood alcohol concentrations than younger people because of such changes as a lower volume of total body water and slower rates of elimination of alcohol from the body. That means the beer or two you could drink without consequence in your 30s or 40s has more impact in your 60s or 70s.

Your body might also experience other age-related changes that increase the risks associated with drinking. Your eyesight and hearing may deteriorate; your reflexes might slow. These kinds of changes can make you feel dizzy, high, or intoxicated even after drinking only a small amount. As a result, older people are more likely to have alcohol-related falls, automobile collisions, or other kinds of accidents. Drinking can also worsen many medical conditions common among older people, such as high blood pressure and ulcers.

https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/alcohol-and-age-a-risky-combination

[hookaleft]

53. Could have been a set up....

"Other side" has intel that he is going to a wine tasting affair....Has cops waiting for him to leave....boom....news cycle.

[barbtries]

62. that's a stretch.

if he was smart, he would have arranged for alternative transportation to avoid driving over the limit. It's not as if he's hurting for money or anything.

[former9thward]

97. There was a car crash.

Did the "other side" set that up too?

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/dui-arrest-of-pelosi-s-husband-came-after-california-crash/ar-AAXSLVY?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=94673949ab8743289fea928e0b9c6ce1

[barbtries]

55. that is disturbing.

he's way old enough to know better.

[Rebl2]

60. I just

thought for some reason her husband was dead. Never hear about him, or at least I haven’t. Why in the world doesn’t he live in D.C. with her.

[Voltaire2]

67. He's 82. Very wealthy. Why was he even driving?

Call a fucking Uber.

Pelosi should consider retirement. Get some new people in party leadership roles. It’s time.

[Evolve Dammit]

68. I can only imagine the stress he and family have been under. Constant death threats, etc. n/t

[Bobstandard]

73. In CA the elite get busted...

…just like the little guy. In many states that CA tax payers keep afloat, this would never make the police blotter, never mind the press.

[Warpy]

74. he's rich as Croesus. It's time to hire a driver

At 82, hitting bottom hard enough to shake him out of denial will probably kill him outright. In any case, people who are problem drinkers (unlikely) to alcoholic (likely) at his age are generally not willing to admit they need serious help.

I hope she can put her foot down this time. She can sell it to him by saying it's how he can go where he wants when he wants to do what he wants and he can thumb his nose at the cops.

Yep, watched other people go through it, usually at the insistence of their children.

[CTyankee]

76. I'm his age and I can't see well enough at night to drive ANYWHERE. The last time I did that I was

a bit panicked just getting home from a store on a route I regularly traverse. I don't drink alcohol, thank god. If I did, I'd be wrapped around a tree in someone's front yard...

[Warpy]

79. No shit, I can't even see to edit my posts properly

Transportation is the stinker, otherwise I'd stay in my own home. As it is, I'm moving to independent living in a couple of weeks. I dread it. I just can't afford a full time driver, and the place offers transport for shopping and doctor appointments and the like.

I can't drink, otherwise I'd be a sodden mess right now, going blind is damned depressing.

[CTyankee]

92. Oh, Warpy, I'm so sorry to hear that! But keep on trying. We'll figure out your posts.

But you must be feeling vulnerable, which is devastating. We'll keep reading your posts as they add value to our lives.

[nini]

75. Screw him.

I have ZERO tolerance for drunk drivers. No excuses or comparing to shit republic have done etc.

[No Vested Interest]

82. Yes, at 82 he should have a driver, alcohol or not.

I recall a well-regarded 70plus local attorney being stopped and cited for DUI at one time.
Soon after the gentleman was diagnosed with a degree of dementia.
Obviously, the man's judgement was impaired and likely the DUI revealed the degree of dementia onset.

A family member of mine was in the same San Francisco social club as Paul Pelosi and said Pelosi kept a low profile, i.e., did not throw his weight around in the club.

[Bengus81]

91. ROFLOL...that's ridiculous

I know a load of 20 year olds around where I live that should have a driver then.

[Akoto]

93. I believe the comment refers to his wealth. He could easily afford a driver. nt

[Skittles]

88. terrible

there is no excuse for this reckless bullshit

[Pas-de-Calais]

89. Dumb ass

[Bengus81]

90. Laws against drunk driving have only gotten stronger over the years unlike gun laws

Back in the day Mr. Pelosi would have been driven home--or could drive himself home with only a warning from Police. Back in those "days" a fucking 18 year old couldn't go out a buy a Military weapon and MURDER children with it.

[LakeArenal]

95. I think ever could get a DUI once. More than that....to jail.

In Costa Rica they somewhat address a chance of driving with revoked license.

They don’t just take a license, they take your plates.

The same plate stays with cars so not much chance of faking it. No one lends anyone their car here for any reason. Lost plates are difficult to get back.

[progree]

96. DUI arrest of Pelosi's husband came after California crash, AP, 5/30/22

DUI arrest of Pelosi's husband came after California crash, AP, 5/30/22

The weekend arrest of Paul Pelosi, the husband of U.S. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, on suspicion of driving under the influence came after the Porsche he was driving was hit by another vehicle in Northern California's wine country, authorities said.

Paul Pelosi, 82, was taken into custody shortly before midnight Saturday in Napa County, according to a sheriff’s office online booking report.

He was driving a 2021 Porsche into an intersection near the town of Yountville and was hit by a 2014 Jeep, the California Highway Patrol said in a statement late Sunday.

No injuries were reported, and the 48-year-old driver of the Jeep was not arrested.

A bit more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/dui-arrest-of-pelosi-s-husband-came-after-california-crash/ar-AAXSLVY?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=94673949ab8743289fea928e0b9c6ce1