Tiger Woods Pleads Not Guilty And Demands Jury Trial After Florida Rollover Crash

Tiger Woods pleads not guilty and demands jury trial after Florida rollover crash Golf legend Tiger Woods has entered a plea of not guilty to charges related to a rollover car crash in Florida last week, waiving his arraignment and demanding a jury trial in the case. Court documents filed in Martin County Circuit Court show the 50‑year‑old Woods pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanor charges including driving under the influence (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after his vehicle was involved in a crash on March 27. He also waived his scheduled arraignment and has formally requested that the case be decided by a jury. The incident occurred on Jupiter Island when Woods’ Land Rover clipped a truck towing a trailer, causing the SUV to roll onto its side. Woods was able to exit the vehicle without injury, but responding deputies observed signs of impairment including lethargy, bloodshot, glassy eyes and dilated pupils, according to a sheriff’s report released as part of court filings. Two hydrocodone pills a prescription opioid were also found in his pocket, although a Breathalyzer test did not detect alcohol. Under Florida law, refusal to take a urine or blood test after an accident can itself support a DUI prosecution. Authorities said Woods initially agreed to field sobriety tests but did not successfully complete all the exercises, and he told officers he had taken prescribed medication earlier in the day and had been distracted by his phone and radio just before the crash. Woods’ attorney, Douglas Duncan, who previously represented him in a 2017 DUI case, entered the plea on his behalf. The filing waiving Woods’ arraignment also means he does not have to appear for his next scheduled hearing in April. In a public statement, Woods said he will step away from golf for a period of time to seek treatment and focus on his health, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and emphasising his intent to prioritise his well‑being. As a result, he is expected to miss this year’s Masters Tournament, an event he has won five times. Woods’ career has been marked by both extraordinary success including 15 major championships and 82 PGA Tour wins and a history of injuries and prior legal incidents, including a 2017 DUI case in Florida. The case will now proceed through the Florida court system, with motions and preparations for trial expected in the coming weeks ahead of his next court date.