Watchdogs Warn Against Special Treatment Given To Nancy Pelosi’s Husband In DUI Case

In Paul Pelosi's driving under the influence (DUI) case, government watchdog organizations have warned against any "special treatment" being given to him.

The husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pleaded not guilty to DUI charges last week. Now Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust (FACT) executive director Kendra Arnold and Protect the Public’s Trust director Michael Chamberlain have weighed in on those charges, reported Fox News.

In May, Paul allegedly hit another vehicle while he was driving drunk. When pulled over, he reportedly showed the responding officers his California Highway Patrol 11-99 (CHP 11-99) Foundation, which is a pro-police charity, membership card. Following his arrest, he was arraigned on a pair of misdemeanor charges in a case that generally begins with a felony booking.

Paul’s treatment under the law "is further evidence of the existence of a double standard in the DC Swamp," said Chamberlain. He noted that government officials and those close to them "need to be held to the same standards of conduct and treatment under the law." He added that it appears as if this may be the "latest incarnation of family members of powerful government officials being given a pass for their illegal or reckless behavior that the rest of us would never get away with."

Any hint of "special treatment" going toward Paul in his DUI case must be "remedied," suggested Arnold. She said that fundamentally, it is important that all laws in America "apply equally to all people."

Wednesday morning, a lawyer for Paul appeared on his behalf in a Napa County, California, court for his arraignment on the charges. Before Napa County Superior Court Judge Monique Langhorne, lawyer Amanda Bevins entered a plea of not guilty to both counts on her client’s behalf.

On Thursday, a California law enforcement association said that it would review Paul's membership after reports that he showed his member card to officers during his DUI arrest emerged. According to Fox News, CHP 11-99 Foundation confirmed that any member who brings its property or name into law enforcement contact, is in violation of the group's terms and conditions agreement.

A part of the foundation's policy states that attempting to use membership in exchange for "preferential treatment" in any contact with cops, will result in immediate termination.

Laura Reed, a spokesperson for the group, said that they will "await the outcome of this trial and will evaluate Mr. Pelosi’s membership status once we have all of the facts."