Full Breakdown
Florida Judge Allows Prosecutors Access to Tiger Woods' Prescription Records in DUI Case
5/12/2026, 10:20:32 PM
Subpoena Approved: Court Grants Prosecutors Access
On May 12, 2026, Martin County Circuit Court Judge Darren Steele authorized a subpoena for Tiger Woods’ prescription-drug records held by Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach. The order covers all prescriptions filled between Jan. 1 and Mar. 27, 2026, and limits use of the records to state prosecutors, law-enforcement officers, designated expert witnesses, and Woods’ defense team under a protective order that bars public disclosure.
Background: March 27 DUI Arrest
On Mar. 27, 2026, Woods’ Land Rover collided with a truck trailer on South Beach Road near his Jupiter Island residence, rolled onto its driver’s side, and came to rest on the shoulder. Deputies noted sweating, lethargy, glassy eyes and dilated pupils, and recovered two hydrocodone pills from Woods’ pants pocket. He registered a 0.00 % blood-alcohol level on a breathalyzer but refused a urine test. He was charged with misdemeanor DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test, and distracted driving, and received a careless-driving citation for property damage. Woods entered a not-guilty plea on Mar. 31 and requested a jury trial.
Principal Parties
- Tiger Woods – Defendant, 15-time major champion.
- Douglas Duncan – Woods’ defense attorney.
- Darren Steele – Martin County Circuit Court judge.
- Martin County State Attorney’s Office – Prosecutors.
- Martin County Sheriff’s Office – Investigating agency.
- Lewis Pharmacy – Custodian of the prescription records.
Timeline of Legal Proceedings
- Mar 27 – Crash and arrest.
- Mar 31 – Not-guilty plea entered.
- Apr 14 – Prosecutors file subpoena request.
- May 12 – Hearing; protective order and subpoena approved.
- Jun 2 – Status conference scheduled; trial date pending.
Prescription Record Request: Scope and Data Sought
Prosecutors seek copies of every prescription filled at Lewis Pharmacy from Jan. 1 to Mar. 27, 2026, including fill dates and times, pill counts, dosage amounts, special instructions, and any warnings—particularly those advising against operating a vehicle while medicated.
Legal and Privacy Implications
The ruling balances the state’s evidentiary interest against Woods’ asserted constitutional privacy right. While the protective order restricts disclosure, the records could reveal whether prescribed medications carried driving warnings, a factor that may influence the DUI prosecution and inform broader privacy jurisprudence.
Official Statements & Responses
Woods issued a statement emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and his decision to step away from professional golf to focus on health and treatment. Attorney Duncan reiterated Woods’ constitutional privacy claim but acknowledged that the right is not absolute if the state demonstrates relevance. Prosecutors argued the records are essential to determine medication effects on driving ability. Judge Steele noted the parties’ agreement on a protective order and entered the subpoena.
Criticism & Opposition: Privacy Concerns
Duncan contended that the subpoena infringes on Woods’ privacy, citing the Fourth Amendment. He stressed that the protective order is necessary to prevent public exposure and that any disclosure should be narrowly tailored to the investigation’s needs.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the precise charge language: some list “property damage” and “distracted driving,” while others cite a “careless-driving” citation. All agree two hydrocodone pills were found, though one report refers to them as “Vicodin” (hydrocodone-acetaminophen) without confirming brand. No public record of the specific medications, dosages, or warning labels has been released.
Verbatim Quotes
1. “I take a few.” — Tiger Woods, Defendant
2. “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health.” — Tiger Woods, Statement
3. “Mr. Woods has a Constitutional right to privacy,” — Douglas Duncan, Attorney
4. “this right to privacy is admittedly not absolute should the state show the relevance of the records to its criminal investigation.” — Douglas Duncan, Attorney
5. “In announcing his decision, Woods said he was committed to taking the time needed to return in a "healthier, stronger, and more focused ?place, both personally and professionally," and requested privacy.” — Tiger Woods, Statement
6. “the prescription records shall be confidentially reviewed by the state, its law enforcement officers, and state expects, and the defense.” — Douglas Duncan, Attorney
Next Steps
A status conference is set for June 2, after which a trial date will be determined. Woods remains out of competition while undergoing treatment abroad.
