Full Breakdown
Tiger Woods Faces Change-of-Plea Hearing in Florida DUI Case
9/2/2026, 1:45:56 AM
Core Event
Tiger Woods, the 15-time major-champion golfer, is scheduled to appear before Martin County Circuit Court on a Wednesday morning for a change-of-plea hearing in the misdemeanor DUI case stemming from his March 27 rollover crash on Jupiter Island, Florida. Judge Darren Steele will preside. Woods entered a not-guilty plea in March and now seeks to amend that plea; the new plea has not been disclosed.
Background & Context
Woods was driving a Land Rover along South Beach Road (30 mph limit) when he attempted to pass a pickup pulling a pressure-cleaning trailer, clipped the trailer’s rear and rolled onto his side. He escaped uninjured by crawling out through the passenger door. The crash follows earlier vehicular incidents, including a 2021 Los Angeles rollover that caused leg injuries and a 2017 DUI arrest in Palm Beach County.
Timeline
- March 27 (2026) – Arrested after the rollover; charged with DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test.
- April 7 – Prosecutors filed a motion for a subpoena of Woods’ prescription medication records.
- September 8 (scheduled) – Original court appearance, later moved up.
- Wednesday morning – Change-of-plea hearing before Judge Steele.
Data & Statistics
- Vehicle damage: Approximately $5,000 to the trailer’s truck.
- Substance findings: Two white hydrocodone pills found in Woods’ left-side pant pocket; breath test showed 0.00 % BAC; Woods refused a urine test.
- Bail: $1,150, posted and released the same night.
Official Statements & Responses
- Sheriff John Budensiek described Woods as “lethargic” and “sweating profusely,” noting impaired faculties despite the negative breath test.
- Judge Darren Steele previously approved prosecutors’ review of Woods’ medical and prescription records from January through March and authorized a subpoena to the pharmacy.
- Attorney Douglas Duncan filed the notice of the change-of-plea hearing; no comment on the anticipated plea.
- State Attorney’s Office confirmed the hearing and charges without elaborating on plea negotiations.
On-the-Ground Reports
Body-camera footage released in April shows Woods kneeling after the crash, saying he was looking at his phone when “all of a sudden, boom.” Deputies noted “bloodshot and glassy eyes” and “slow, lethargic movements.” Woods told officers he had taken “a few” prescription medications that morning; the specific names were redacted.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Impairment cause: The sheriff’s office suspects an “unknown substance,” but the arrest affidavit notes no alcohol and only two hydrocodone pills, leaving the exact influence unresolved.
- Plea intent: Sources agree the hearing will address a plea change, but the specific plea remains unknown.
- Medical record access: Prosecutors have obtained prescription records, yet their contents have not been disclosed.
What’s Next
The Wednesday hearing will determine whether Woods amends his plea and could lead to a negotiated agreement with prosecutors. Sentencing would follow later in the court calendar. The case continues to attract public attention amid Woods’ health challenges and his comeback efforts in professional golf.
