Tiger Woods pleads not guilty in DUI case following Florida car crash
March 31, 2026, 8:03 p.m. ET
A new development has occurred in the ongoing DUI case surrounding 50-year-old golfer Tiger Woods.
The 15-time major winner entered a plea of not guilty Tuesday, March 31 in Martin County (Florida) court, waiving his arraignment and demanding a trial by jury.
Woods was involved in a two-vehicle rollover car crash near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida on Friday, March 27, and was charged with DUI, property damage and failure to submit to a DUI test. He was taken into custody following the accident and was released at 11:11 p.m. on $1,150 bail later that night, a Martin County jail official told the Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Woods’ not guilty plea
According to TC Palm, part of the USA TODAY network, Woods’ attorney Douglas Duncan of Roth & Duncan in West Palm Beach, Florida, submitted the official plea declaring not guilty, waiving Woods’ arraignment and demanding a trial by jury.
TC Palm reports, “[Woods] also waived his appearance at pretrial conferences and other hearings before a trial, records state.”
When will Woods’ trial be?
There is no official date for the trial as of yet, though a docket hearing is set for May 5 at the Martin County Courthouse.
Why was Woods arrested?
Woods was arrested Friday, March 27 after his vehicle collided with another in Martin County, Florida. Woods has admitted to being distracted before the crash, but police saw signs of impairment at the scene, noting that Woods was “sweating profusely” and appeared “lethargic and slow.”
Authorities also found two white pills in Woods’ pocket, later identified as hydrocodone, a opioid usually prescribed for pain relief.
After being booked, Woods blew a 0.00 on an administered breathalyzer test, but refused to offer a urine sample, resulting in another charge.
Woods says he’s ‘stepping away’ to ‘seek treatment’
Woods said in a statement Tuesday night he is “stepping away” to “seek treatment and focus on my health.”
Woods’ social media message marked his first extensive public comments in the wake of his rollover car crash and subsequent arrest for suspicion of DUI.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods wrote. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally. I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time.”
Contributing: Jace Evans
