Golf superstar Tiger Woods has been formally charged with driving under the influence, deepening the legal troubles stemming from a recent rollover car crash near his Jupiter, Florida residence. The charges, which include refusing to submit to chemical testing, were officially filed on Tuesday, marking a significant escalation in the case that has captivated the sports world.
Official Charges and Legal Proceedings
According to reports from TMZ, Woods now faces misdemeanor counts of DUI and refusal to undergo breath or urine tests. These charges carry potential jail time, adding gravity to the situation. The incident occurred last month when Woods' vehicle overturned, leading to his arrest by Martin County authorities.
Prosecutors Investigate Medication History
In a developing aspect of the case, Florida prosecutors are pursuing detailed records regarding Woods' prescription medications. Assistant State Attorney Nirlaine Tallandier Smartt filed a notice indicating plans to subpoena Lewis Pharmacy for comprehensive information about every prescription drug Woods received between January 1, 2026, and March 27, 2026—the date of the crash.
The subpoena seeks specific details including:
- Dates and times prescriptions were filled
- Types of medications prescribed
- Number of pills in each prescription
- Dosage amounts
- All special instructions and warnings
Prosecutors are particularly interested in determining whether any of Woods' medications included explicit warnings against operating motor vehicles while using them. Woods and his legal team have ten days to file objections to this request for medical records.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Crash Details
Recently released police body camera footage provides disturbing insight into the incident. The 17-minute video shows Woods appearing disoriented and unsteady at the crash scene. In the recording, the 50-year-old golf legend admits to police that he was distracted by his phone while attempting to overtake a truck.
"I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden ... boom!" Woods tells an officer in the footage, describing the moment of impact.
The video documents Woods undergoing field sobriety tests before being handcuffed and placed in a police vehicle. During transport, he appears lethargic, yawning repeatedly and seemingly fighting to stay awake. Notably, Woods registered a 0.0 on breathalyzer tests but was arrested based on suspicion of impairment from other substances.
Presidential Phone Call Claim
In a surprising revelation from the bodycam footage, Woods informs an officer that he had been speaking with former U.S. President Donald Trump during the aftermath of the crash. When asked to return to the designated area near police vehicles, Woods responds, "Yeah, I was just talking to the president." This claim adds an unusual dimension to an already extraordinary situation.
Woods Seeks Treatment in Switzerland
Following the incident, Woods announced via social media that he would be stepping away from public life to focus on recovery. In his statement, he emphasized the seriousness of his situation and his commitment to prioritizing health and well-being.
"I am stepping away for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on my health," Woods wrote. "This is necessary in order for me to prioritize my well-being and work toward lasting recovery."
A Martin County judge has granted Woods permission to attend an overseas treatment facility in Switzerland. His attorney, Douglas Duncan, argued that the international facility was necessary due to Woods' "complex clinical presentation" and concerns about maintaining privacy during treatment in the United States.
Legal Status and Bond
Woods posted a $1,150 bond upon his release from Martin County jail last Friday. Notably, the court imposed no travel restrictions, allowing him to proceed with his planned treatment abroad. This development occurs as the golf community continues to process the implications for one of the sport's most iconic figures.
The case represents a significant personal and professional challenge for Woods, whose career has been marked by both extraordinary athletic achievement and previous personal struggles. As legal proceedings continue and Woods focuses on rehabilitation, the sports world watches closely, awaiting further developments in this high-profile case.
