Golf legend Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in a Martin County, Florida courtroom on Wednesday for a change of plea hearing following his March 27 rollover crash and subsequent driving under the influence charges.
Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear at an 8:30 a.m. hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 2, before Judge Darren Steele at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida. Court documents filed Tuesday by defense attorney Douglas Duncan indicate that the 50-year-old athlete plans to alter his previous not guilty plea, according to court records reviewed by reporters. The State Attorney’s Office confirmed the hearing, and Treasure Coast News, part of the USA TODAY Network, reported it is mandatory defendants appear in person for a change of plea hearing.
The proceeding comes more than six months after a single-vehicle rollover crash on Jupiter Island that left Woods facing misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Woods, who is worth $1.5 billion according to Forbes, also received a traffic citation related to careless driving as part of the accident, and court records show that case also is now scheduled for a change of plea hearing on Wednesday.
Tiger Woods set to change plea in Florida DUI
The March Crash on South Beach Road
The legal fallout stems from an afternoon incident on March 27 occurring shortly before 2 p.m. along a beachside residential road on South Beach Road on Jupiter Island with a 30 mph (nearly 50 kph) speed limit. Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek stated that Woods was traveling at high speeds when his Land Rover clipped a truck, causing $5,000 in damage to the truck and rolled onto its side. According to cops, the 50-year-old had two hydrocodone pills in his pocket and failed the field sobriety test.
Woods was seen being taken into custody after the wreck in bodycam footage from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office. According to an incident report, Woods allegedly seemed “lethargic” after the crash. Woods was briefly taken to a hospital to be cleared before being taken to jail, and footage showed Woods in the back of the patrol car after his DUI arrest.
Sobriety Tests and Prescription Findings
Court documents show Tiger Woods plans to change not
During the roadside investigation, a sheriff’s office report said deputies found two pain pills in his pocket, which were later found inside Woods’ left side pant pocket and revealed to be hydrocodone, and he showed signs of impairment. An arrest affidavit at the time of incident alleged Woods failed field sobriety tests conducted by officers at the scene, and law enforcement found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pocket after the crash.
While Woods agreed to a Breathalyzer test that showed no signs of alcohol, authorities said he refused a urine test. Deputies said they believe he was under the influence of something other than alcohol, and Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said during a press conference that Woods showed signs of impairment
and refused a urinalysis test.
Following his arrest, Woods waived his arraignment and demanded a jury trial, per the court documents obtained by Page Six. Woods previously submitted a written plea of not guilty and a waiver of arraignment. The 15-time major champ is expected to attend Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida, at 8:30 a.m.
Treatment and Legal Subpoenas Over the Summer
Tiger Woods plea hearing set in Florida DUI case
In the wake of the March arrest, Woods subsequently announced he would seek treatment and focus on my health.
Woods has traveled outside of the United States to seek treatment at an inpatient treatment facility, according to court records. Back in June, prosecutors were granted access to Woods’ medical records from the day of his arrest on Jupiter Island. The order stated that prosecutors can review records from Woods’ hospital visit. The order specifies that the records will be disclosed only to the state, designated law enforcement officers or experts, and the defense. Prosecutors have also subpoenaed Woods’ prescription records.
What Wednesday’s Court Appearance Means
While neither Woods nor his legal representation has publicly detailed the terms of Wednesday’s filing, it is not yet clear from the newly filed notice what plea Woods intends to enter Wednesday or whether the hearing is part of a negotiated plea agreement.
The courtroom proceedings set for 8:30 a.m. will address the case after Woods previously entered a not guilty plea to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test following his March arrest on Jupiter Island for DUI.
