Tiger Woods’ vow to enter treatment could help keep the golfer out of jail — but he will still have to pay for his DUI (Driving Under Influence) arrest with potential community service, revoked license and more sentencing terms.
Legal expert Gregory Doll exclusively has told The New York Post jail time is “theoretically [a] possibility but unlikely” after Woods was arrested for a DUI last on Saturday (AEDT)
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“My understanding is that he was impaired from medication, not from other recreational drugs or alcohol,” Doll said.
“While that is not a good thing, I don’t see any judge wanting to send him to jail, particularly because no one else was hurt in the accident and he’s already seeking treatment,” he continued.
Doll believes that Woods’ 2017 DUI is an “aggravating” factor.
“He has a 2017 incident that is similar in nature, and this time he apparently refused to submit to a urinalysis,” Doll said.
The judge will most likely make it clear that this was a “very serious event” and that a third episode will result in “jail or prison time.”
“The judge may impose a suspended sentence to make sure he stays consistent with his treatment program, and will surely revoke his license for a long time,” Doll noted.
The lawyer added that community service is also “guaranteed.”
“But the chances that he will go to jail for this are remote,” Doll said. “Most judges are decent people and will want to see him get treatment.
Woods was involved in a rollover car crash in Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 28, the Martin County Sheriff’s office confirmed. Woods and the other driver involved in the crash, Jeromy Bullard, confirmed they did not sustain any injuries in the incident.
The New York Post exclusively revealed that the golfer’s girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, and her daughter, Kai Trump, were not in the car at the time of the incident.
The athlete was subsequently arrested and charged with a DUI, property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after he was involved in a car crash around 2pm local time.
Woods, who has been involved in several car accidents over the years, was caught with two prescription hydrocodone pills in his pocket after the crash and was subjected to sobriety tests as he “showed signs of impairment.” His eyes were also bloodshot, and he had the hiccups during the entire investigation.
The five-time Masters winner, 50, broke his silence on Tuesday with a post on X.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote in a statement. “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 prioritise my wellbeing and work toward lasting recovery.”
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” he wrote in a statement. “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 well-being and work toward lasting recovery.”
Woods said he was “committed” to taking time to work on himself so he can “return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally.”
“I appreciate your understanding and support, and ask for privacy for my family, loved ones and myself at this time,” he concluded.
That same day, he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Woods retained lawyer Douglas Duncan — the same lawyer who represented him during his last DUI charge in 2017.
— This story originally appeared on The New York Post and has been republished with permission
