Tiger Woods in Court After Accident: Will He Change His Plea?

Tiger Woods is scheduled to appear in person in Florida on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, for a hearing in his DUI case. The hearing before the Martin County Court is listed in court records as a “change of plea”—that is, a possible change to his previous plea. Woods had initially pleaded “not guilty” following the accident on March 27.

However, it remains unclear what statement the 50-year-old will make at this time. A document from his attorney, Douglas Duncan, refers to the hearing as a “plea conference.” Nor has an agreement between the defense and the prosecution been confirmed so far. The hearing is scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time before Judge Darren Steele. According to Treasure Coast News, Woods is required to appear in person.

Two Cases Following the Accident

The central charge is that Woods drove his vehicle while under the influence of a substance and caused property damage in the process. He is also accused of refusing to submit to a lawful test for other substances. The charges stem from the accident on Jupiter Island, where Woods’ Land Rover collided with a pickup truck and its trailer.

In addition, Woods received a traffic citation for reckless driving. This matter is also scheduled to be addressed on Wednesday. Court documents list a civil fine of $163 for this offense.

According to available information, the DUI charge does not involve a positive alcohol test. Woods took two breathalyzer tests while in jail, both of which registered 0.00. However, he is alleged to have refused a urine test to screen for other substances.

Woods’ Land Rover rolled over

The accident occurred on March 27 on South Beach Road near Jupiter Island and Hobe Sound. According to investigators, Woods was traveling at high speed and attempted to pass a pickup truck towing a work or cleaning trailer. The pickup truck is said to have slowed down at that moment to make a turn.

Woods’ vehicle struck the trailer, veered off the road, and tipped over onto the driver’s side. The golf star was alone in the car and was able to exit the wreck through the passenger side. According to available reports, no one was injured. An accident report estimates the property damage to the other vehicle and trailer at approximately $5,000.

Woods told the officers that he had looked at his cell phone and changed the radio station shortly before the collision. As a result, he did not notice that the vehicle in front of him had slowed down. The bodycam footage documents his account with the words: “I looked at my phone—and suddenly: Boom.” This statement reflects Woods’ own version of the moment of the accident. It does not constitute a definitive determination of how the accident occurred.

Read more here about Tiger Woods’ accident in March 2026.

Investigators Suspected Impairment

According to the published investigative documents, the DUI charge is based primarily on the officers’ observations and Woods’ behavior during the field sobriety tests. Investigators described his eyes as glassy and bloodshot. He was also said to have been sweating profusely, moving slowly and lethargically, and repeatedly having hiccups during the examination.

After the tests, an officer concluded that Woods’ “normal abilities were impaired” and that he was unable to operate the vehicle safely. This assessment comes from the investigators’ affidavit and does not constitute a final conviction.

The reports also mention two hydrocodone tablets that, according to investigative records, were allegedly found on Woods. Hydrocodone is a prescription opioid painkiller. When asked about prescription medications, Woods reportedly replied, “I take some.” He reportedly stated that he had taken the medications on the morning of the accident.

However, these statements do not automatically imply that Woods misused the medications or that they were demonstrably the cause of his possible impairment. This very question is part of the proceedings.

Tiger Woods: Net Worth, Records, Career—A Portrait of the Golf Icon

Key Facts

• Hearing: Wednesday, September 2, 2026, 8:30 a.m. local time
• Location: Martin County Court, Florida
• Judge: Darren Steele
• Charges: DUI resulting in property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test
• Additional Traffic Charge: Charge of reckless driving
• Current Plea: Not Guilty
• New development: Possible change of plea
• Breathalyzer tests: 0.00 twice
• Still pending: specific new plea and possible agreement with the prosecution

Dispute over medical records

As the case progressed, the prosecution requested access to Woods’ prescription and medical records. The defense opposed the release, arguing that the private information must first be reviewed for its relevance to the case. Courts later allowed access to certain records. The specific findings derived from these records have not yet been fully disclosed to the public.

The golf star’s medical history plays a particularly important role in this context. Woods has undergone numerous back and leg surgeries. The investigative files mention this medical history in connection with his performance on the field sobriety tests. However, it does not provide any indication as to whether Woods was impaired by medication at the time of the accident.

Woods Announced Treatment

A few days after his arrest, Woods responded with a personal statement. He announced that he would initially step back from the public eye and focus on his health. “I’m stepping back for a while to seek treatment and focus on my health,” Woods explained.

A court subsequently granted him permission to travel abroad for inpatient treatment. Several reports indicate that this treatment took place in Switzerland. Upon his return, Woods made his first public appearance in June at the Travelers Championship. He did not answer any questions about the accident or the ongoing legal proceedings.

Read more here about Tiger Woods’ temporary withdrawal and his rehabilitation.

What Remains Unclear on Wednesday

A “change-of-plea” hearing can serve to formally change a previous plea. Such a hearing is often related to discussions between the defense and the prosecution. However, the name of the hearing does not imply that Woods will actually plead guilty. Nor is it known whether a sentence will be handed down on Wednesday or whether the proceedings will simply move to the next phase.

The only thing that is clear at this point is that Woods must appear in court again to address the accident. The hearing will reveal what his new plea will be, whether an agreement has been reached with the prosecution, and what legal consequences will result.

On the sports front, with 15 major victories and 82 wins on the PGA Tour, Woods ranks among the most successful golfers in history. He has not competed in an official PGA Tour tournament since July 2024. His return to the course remains uncertain. For now, however, the focus is on the hearing before the Martin County Court.