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Tiger Woods has struck a last-minute plea deal in his Florida DUI case, avoiding jail time but receiving a five-year suspension of his driver’s license.
The 15-time major champion appeared before a judge Wednesday at the Martin County Courthouse in Stuart, Florida. Earlier this year, Woods was involved in a crash on Jupiter Island, where he was driving recklessly on a residential street with a 30 mph speed limit.
His Land Rover collided with a truck, causing it to flip onto its side. Woods exited the vehicle uninjured, leaving through the passenger door.
Initially, the 50-year-old golfer pleaded not guilty to charges of DUI and refusal to submit to a lawful test. Since the incident, Woods has sought treatment in Switzerland and is currently on an indefinite hiatus from professional golf. In a change of course, Woods ultimately pleaded guilty to lesser charges of reckless and careless driving.
Accompanied by his attorney Douglas Duncan and girlfriend Vanessa Trump, Woods was fined $1,000 for reckless driving and $500 for careless driving. Both charges carry concurrent five-year driving bans. Judge Darren Steele accepted the plea agreement, which amended the original DUI charge and resolved the refusal-to-test charge with a guilty plea.
The judge issued a stern warning: “If you drive for any reason at all, you will be going back to jail.”
At the time of the crash in March, Woods told officers he was searching for his phone and adjusting the radio. Although he passed a breathalyzer test, he refused further drug testing.
Police noted that Woods appeared lethargic, sweating profusely, and had bloodshot, glassy eyes. He admitted to not noticing the vehicle ahead had slowed.
Following the incident, authorities discovered two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pocket-a prescription opioid for pain relief. Body camera footage captured Woods telling officers, “I take a few,” when asked about medications.
In the wake of the crash, Woods took to social media to announce a break from golf to focus on his health and recovery. He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, stating, “I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health. This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery.”