Tiger Woods Pleads Not Guilty in Martin County DUI Case, Requests Jury Trial

Tiger Woods has pleaded not guilty to DUI charges stemming from a Memorial Day weekend crash in Martin County, filed a written waiver of arraignment, and requested a jury trial, according to court records reviewed this week.

The case is unfolding entirely within Martin County's court system — from the arresting agency to the judge assigned — and the TC Sentinel is reporting directly from court filings and the Martin County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit rather than aggregating national wire coverage.

The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on May 29 According to available information, on a road near Woods' Jupiter Island home. According to the arrest affidavit, Woods was driving his SUV behind a truck pulling a trailer. When the trailer slowed to make a right turn into a driveway — turn signal on, according to the truck driver — Woods attempted to pass, crossed a double solid line into oncoming traffic, and struck the trailer's left rear fender. The SUV flipped onto its driver's side.

The truck driver helped Woods out of the vehicle. The responding deputy's affidavit documents what followed in clinical detail: bloodshot, glassy eyes with dilated pupils; profuse sweating; persistent hiccups; and difficulty completing coordination tests. Woods appeared lethargic but, notably, was described as "extremely alert" throughout the investigation.

Woods told the deputy he had not consumed alcohol — a claim supported by a breathalyzer test he passed — but acknowledged taking "a few" prescription medications when asked. Deputies found two hydrocodone pills in his pocket. Woods refused to provide a urine sample and later refused medical treatment at Cleveland Clinic ER South before being transported to the Martin County Jail.

He posted $1,150 bail and was released around 11 p.m. He now faces charges of DUI with property damage and refusal to submit a breath test.

Woods also told the deputy he has had seven back surgeries and more than 20 operations on his right leg, explaining that his ankle seizes while walking — context his defense team will almost certainly use to challenge the field sobriety results.

West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney Joshua Deckard, speaking independently to WPTV, framed the prosecution's core challenge plainly.

"The real question here would be, can the state of Florida prove that he was under the influence of one of these medications to the extent that his normal daily activities were impaired?" Deckard said.

Deckard added that Woods' refusal to submit a urine sample cuts both ways. "That opens the door for the state to argue that he didn't take the urine test because he had consciousness of guilt," he said. Deckard believes body camera footage will ultimately be the most decisive evidence in the case and that a negotiated resolution is more likely than a full trial.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 23 According to available information,. A docket sounding is set for May 5 before Judge Darren Steele in Martin County.

Woods separately announced via Instagram that he is stepping away from professional golf to focus on his health and treatment. According to available information,

The TC Sentinel has requested the full arrest affidavit, body camera footage, and court docket from the Martin County Sheriff's Office and the Martin County Clerk of Courts. Responses are pending.

This article was generated with AI assistance using publicly available information. It was reviewed and approved by a human editor before publication. TC Sentinel uses AI writing tools in accordance with FTC guidelines.