We previously reported that the golf legend Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI on Friday, March 27. Now, Woods has gotten some bad news from a judge ahead of his DUI trial.
Woods Gets Bad News From Judge
Court records obtained by People Magazine show that during a hearing on the morning of Tuesday, May 12, Judge Darren Steele ruled that Woods’ prescription drug history will be included in his upcoming DUI trial. Woods’ attorney Douglas Duncan attempted to object, but to no avail.
Both sides agreed on a protective order that will shield Woods’ drug history from public view, however.
Back in April, Duncan tried to block a subpoena seeking Woods’ prescription drug records. Indeed, on April 14, he filed a motion arguing that Woods has a “constitutional right to privacy interest” when it comes to his prescription drug records that are on file at Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach, Florida.
“This right is admittedly not absolute should the State show the relevance of the records to its criminal investigation and thus warrant intrusion into Mr. Woods’ privacy,” Duncan wrote in the motion.
Duncan went on to ask the judge to enter a protective motion that would “ensure Woods’ prescription records only be viewed by the State, its law enforcement officers, any State experts, and the Defense.”
“The records shall not be disclosed to any third parties, including Order prohibiting dissemination of the records by the State in response to any public records request,” Duncan argued. “If and when it becomes necessary for the State to publicly disclose said records or any portion of said records, that a hearing must be held to determine the necessity of said disclosure.”
Woods’ Arrest
Woods, 50, has plead not guilty in his DUI case. He was arrested on March 27 after crashing his car on Jupiter Island.
At the scene of the crash, deputies with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office found two hydrocodone pills in Woods’ pants pocket. After they issued a sobriety test, the deputies “observed several signs of impairment.” This included “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and “extremely dilated” pupils.
Woods reportedly told the deputies, “I take a few” prescription medications. He said that he takes the medication after undergoing seven back surgeries and “over 20 operations” on his leg. He also told them that his ankle was fused. Woods then said that he alks with a limp because of the various injuries that he has suffered.
Days after his arrest, Woods took to social media to reveal that he would be seeking treatment.
“I know and understand the seriousness of the situation I find myself in today,” Woods stated. “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.”
On April 1, Woods was granted permission to travel out of the country “to enter into comprehensive inpatient treatment.”
Woods has asked for a trial by jury in this case. At the time of this writing, no trial date has been set.
This has clearly been a very difficult time for Woods. Please join us in saying a prayer that Woods can get the help that he needs in order to turn his life around.