Tiger Woods Challenges Subpoena for Pharmacy Records in DUI Case

Attorneys argue release of sensitive medical information violates privacy rights

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:50pm

An extreme close-up of a prescription pill bottle cap, the plastic surface reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the sensitive nature of the medical evidence in this case.The battle over access to Tiger Woods' private medical records exposes the tension between law enforcement and personal privacy.Stuart Today

Tiger Woods is fighting prosecutors' efforts to obtain his pharmacy records as part of an ongoing DUI case, arguing the request violates his constitutional right to privacy. Woods has pleaded not guilty to charges including misdemeanor DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test, and distracted driving following a March 27 rollover crash near his Florida home.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tension between law enforcement's need for evidence and an individual's right to medical privacy, especially for high-profile public figures. The outcome could set a precedent for how much access authorities have to a defendant's private prescription history during a criminal investigation.

The details

Authorities are seeking extensive documentation from Woods' pharmacy, including prescription types, refill schedules, and instructions, from January 1 through the date of the incident. Woods' attorney, Douglas Duncan, has objected, arguing such sensitive information should only be released if the state can prove its direct relevance to the case. Duncan is requesting a protective order to tightly control access and prevent any public disclosure of the records.

  • On March 27, Woods was involved in a rollover crash near his Florida home.
  • Woods pleaded not guilty to charges including misdemeanor DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test, and distracted driving.
  • A status hearing in the case is scheduled for May 5 in Stuart, Florida.

The players

Tiger Woods

A professional golfer who is facing DUI charges following a March 27 rollover crash near his Florida home.

Douglas Duncan

The attorney representing Tiger Woods, who is challenging prosecutors' efforts to obtain his client's pharmacy records.

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What they’re saying

“The records shall not be disclosed to any third parties, including Order prohibiting dissemination of the records by the State in response to any public records request.”

— Douglas Duncan, Attorney for Tiger Woods

What’s next

The judge will decide at the May 5 status hearing whether to allow prosecutors access to Tiger Woods' pharmacy records or uphold his privacy rights.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex balance between law enforcement's investigative needs and an individual's constitutional right to medical privacy, especially for high-profile public figures. The outcome could set an important precedent for how much access authorities have to a defendant's private prescription history during a criminal investigation.