Tiger Woods pleads not guilty in DUI case, demands jury trial

Golfer was charged with driving under the influence with property damage, and refusal to submit to a urinalysis test after his Friday crash.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:54pm

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Tiger Woods has entered a plea of not guilty to charges stemming from his Friday arrest. Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, appeared in Martin County court for him on Tuesday, the same day details of his arrest on charges of driving under the influence with property damage, and refusal to submit to a urinalysis test, were released. The golfer has waived arraignment, entered a not guilty plea on both misdemeanor charges and demanded a trial by jury.

Why it matters

This is the second DUI-related arrest for Woods, who had previously completed a DUI diversion program in 2017 after pleading guilty to a reckless driving charge. The new charges raise concerns about Woods' health and ability to safely operate a vehicle, especially given his history of injuries and surgeries.

The details

According to the arrest affidavit, Woods was found 'lethargic' and 'sweating profusely' at the scene of the crash, where his Land Rover had struck the back of a pickup truck. Officers observed 'several signs of impairment' and Woods had to perform field sobriety exercises, during which he appeared alert but had difficulty following instructions due to his physical limitations from past surgeries. Two hydrocodone pills were found in Woods' pocket.

  • On Friday afternoon, Woods was arrested in Jupiter Island, Florida, near his home.
  • On Tuesday, Woods' attorney appeared in Martin County court and entered a not guilty plea on the charges.

The players

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer who has won 15 major championships and is considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Douglas Duncan

The attorney representing Tiger Woods in this case, who also represented him in his 2017 DUI arrest.

Tatiana Levenar

The Martin County Sheriff's Deputy who was on the scene and observed signs of impairment from Woods.

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What they’re saying

“Woods' movement was lethargic and slow. While walking, I observed Woods limping and stumbling to the right ... I asked Woods if he was able to perform tasks such as walking and lifting his leg, Woods advised he has a limp and his ankle seizes while walking.”

— Tatiana Levenar, Martin County Sheriff's Deputy

What’s next

The defense has 10 days to file motions, and the case will be heard in the state of Florida's 19th Judicial Circuit.

The takeaway

This incident raises serious concerns about Tiger Woods' health and ability to safely operate a vehicle, especially given his history of substance abuse issues and physical limitations from past injuries and surgeries. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Woods' future in professional golf.