Tiger Woods is preparing to change his not guilty plea in the Florida DUI case stemming from his March rollover crash, marking a significant development five months after his arrest.
Court records show Woods is scheduled to appear before Judge Darren Steele in Martin County on Wednesday morning for a change of plea hearing.
However, the exact nature of his new plea hasn’t been disclosed, meaning it shouldn’t yet be assumed that Woods will plead guilty or has reached a deal with prosecutors.
Tiger Woods changes course after initial not guilty plea
Woods originally pleaded not guilty after his Land Rover collided with a trailer being pulled by a truck near his Jupiter Island home on March 27.
He was charged with misdemeanor DUI involving property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test.
Authorities said Woods showed signs of impairment at the scene. A Breathalyzer detected no alcohol, but deputies reported finding two hydrocodone pills in his possession and said he later refused a urine test.
The crash caused approximately $5,000 in damage, although nobody was injured.
Woods told authorities he had been looking at his phone and changing radio stations before the collision.
Woods previously announced he was seeking treatment
Days after his arrest, Woods publicly acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and announced that he would step away from golf.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods said.
“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.”
He also made clear that his priority was making meaningful changes.
“I’m committed to taking the time needed to return in a healthier, stronger, and more focused place, both personally and professionally,” Woods said.
Woods was subsequently granted permission by the court to travel overseas for inpatient treatment.
His decision to change his plea now represents the biggest legal development in the case since that initial not guilty response.
But until Wednesday’s hearing takes place, one crucial detail remains unknown: exactly what plea Woods intends to enter and whether it forms part of an agreement with prosecutors.
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