What Happened to Tiger Woods' 2026 DUI Plea Change?

Tiger Woods' legal troubles resurfaced on March 27, 2026, when he was arrested in Jupiter Island, Florida, following a rollover car crash. He was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test, along with a traffic violation for careless driving. Deputies at the scene observed Woods exhibiting signs of impairment, including profuse sweating, bloodshot and glassy eyes, dilated pupils, and slow movements, despite a breathalyzer test showing no alcohol in his system. Two hydrocodone pills, an opioid painkiller, were found in his pocket, and Woods admitted to taking prescription medications earlier that day and being distracted by his phone and radio at the time of the accident.

Woods initially entered a not-guilty plea to the charges in March 2026. Following the arrest, he announced his decision to step away from golf to seek treatment and prioritize his well-being, subsequently traveling to an international inpatient treatment facility, from which he returned in June 2026. In July 2026, a judge approved prosecutors' requests to review Woods' medical records related to the crash and his prescription medication history.

This 2026 incident marks Woods' second DUI-related arrest. His first occurred in May 2017, when he was found asleep at the wheel of his car. In that case, he pleaded guilty to reckless driving and entered a first-time offender diversion program, which included probation, fines, DUI school, community service, and random drug testing. A toxicology report from the 2017 arrest revealed multiple drugs in his system, including painkillers, anxiety medication, and THC.

As of today, September 2, 2026, Woods is scheduled to appear in Martin County circuit court for a change-of-plea hearing. While court documents filed on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, indicate his intention to change his plea, the specific new plea or whether a plea deal has been reached remains officially undisclosed. However, some reports speculate he may again plead guilty to a lesser charge of reckless driving and enter a diversion program, mirroring his previous legal resolution. This ongoing legal process adds another layer to Woods' challenging period, which also includes significant health issues, such as a seventh back surgery in October 2025 and a ruptured Achilles tendon in March 2026, leaving his return to competitive golf uncertain despite turning 50 and becoming eligible for the PGA Tour Champions in late 2025.