Golfer Tiger Woods appeared in a Florida courtroom on Wednesday morning, where his DUI case took a sharp turn. The 50-year-old accepted a last-minute plea deal after prosecutors and the defense reached an agreement before the hearing began. According to Page Six, the original DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving and refusal to submit to a lawful chemical test. Woods was fined $1,000 on the first count and $500 on the second. Both penalties carry a five-year driver’s license suspension running at the same time.
Tiger Woods Receives Judge’s Warning in Court
The judge made clear that the punishment came with no room for error. “If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail,” the judge said according to Page Six. In Florida, that warning carries extra weight because even a golf cart can be treated as a motor vehicle under state law. Woods appeared with attorney Douglas Duncan and girlfriend Vanessa Trump. During the brief hearing, he looked toward her several times and smiled after signing the plea agreement that finalized the deal.
Vanessa Trump Joins Woods at Martin County Courthouse
Before the hearing, Woods and Vanessa Trump arrived together in the same SUV and entered the courthouse quietly. The plea paperwork showed that Woods entered a no contest plea to both charges. In the signed form, he agreed not to challenge the state’s evidence and accepted the reduced outcome. The court session had been moved up quickly after a motion was filed the day before. Woods had originally been scheduled to appear on Sept. 8, but the case was fast-tracked into Wednesday’s hearing in Martin County.
Prosecutors Cite Limited Proof of Impairment
The state attorney later described the case as difficult to prosecute because there was not enough proof of impairment, despite Woods admitting he had taken controlled substances before the crash. He also refused a urinalysis, which limited the evidence available to prosecutors. Deputies had reported that Woods showed signs including bloodshot eyes and slow movement, while breathalyzer results supported his claim that he had not been drinking alcohol. Two loose pills found on him after the crash were later identified as hydrocodone, an opioid pain medication.
March Crash Added to Woods’ Legal Troubles
The case stemmed from a March 27 rollover crash near Woods’ Jupiter Island home. He told deputies he had been distracted by his cellphone and radio when he noticed too late that the vehicle ahead was slowing to turn into a driveway. The other vehicle, a truck towing a pressure washer trailer, reportedly suffered about $5,000 in damage. The arrest marked the fourth major car-related incident of Woods’ career and his second DUI arrest. Days later, he announced he would seek treatment and step away to focus on his health and recovery.
