Today, Paul Pelosi was convicted in Napa County Superior Court on charges filed by the Napa County District Attorney’s Office based upon an automobile collision and driving under the influence arrest on May 28th, 2022. Mr. Pelosi pled guilty to the charge of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury. The matter was heard today in Department 3 at 9:00 am in front of Judge Joseph Solga. The People were represented by Napa County Deputy District Attorney Aimee Mcleod.
Under California Penal Code section 977, a defendant can appear through their attorney on a DUI misdemeanor case and does not have to be present in the courtroom unless ordered by a judicial officer. Mr. Pelosi was not ordered by the court to personally appear at the sentencing and he chose to appear through his defense counsel.
Judge Solga accepted plea forms from Mr. Pelosi’s privately retained defense counsel, Amanda Bevins. The plea forms were signed by Paul Pelosi in front of his attorney. Mr. Pelosi pled guilty to Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol Causing Injury. Based upon the plea, Judge Solga dismissed the second charge of Driving With .08% Blood Alcohol Level or Higher Causing Injury in the interests of justice. Judge Solga found that defendant’s plea was freely and voluntarily entered, there was a factual basis for said plea, and that the defendant made an intelligent waiver of his rights.
Judge Solga sentenced Mr. Pelosi to the following consequences: (1) placed on summary probation for 3 years; (2) pay a $1723 court fine; (3) serve 5 days in jail; (4) submit to a blood, breath, or urine test if requested by any law enforcement officer or probation officer if suspected of driving with a measurable amount of alcohol; (5) pay $4927.53 in victim restitution for medical bills and lost wages as well as a standard $150 restitution fine; (6) do not operate a motor vehicle with a measurable amount of alcohol; (7) immediately enroll in, pay for, and successfully complete a licensed DUI program for 3 months; (8) do not operate a motor vehicle unless it is equipped with a functioning, certified ignition device for 1 year. Based upon this conviction, the Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend Mr. Pelosi’s driver’s license for one year. The Court will retain jurisdiction for any future restitution bills.
The media and the public have a right to know what occurs in a criminal case. As such, they have full and free access to our courts. The courtroom was open to the public. Consistent with the normal calendar, the entry of plea and sentencing was also broadcast via Zoom. Questions of access to the Napa Superior Court are answered here: www.napa.courts.ca.gov
Any questions regarding this case may be directed to Assistant District Attorney Paul Gero.