Nationwide — Tiger Woods changed his plea to no contest Wednesday in his Florida DUI case and agreed to a five-year suspension of his driver’s license. The plea deal also reduced the original charges against the golfer following a March rollover crash in Jupiter Island. The 50-year-old golf star appeared in court as the case moved toward a resolution.
Woods originally pleaded not guilty to charges of driving under the influence with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test. Under the new agreement, prosecutors changed the first charge to reckless driving, second offense. The second charge became a careless driving citation. The judge ordered the five-year license suspension for both charges, with the suspensions running at the same time, according to ABC News.
The judge made clear that Woods cannot drive during the suspension under any circumstances. The restriction, the judge said, is intended to protect the public. Woods was also warned that driving for any reason could result in an immediate return to jail. He appeared in court with his girlfriend, Vanessa Trump, who was previously married to Donald Trump Jr.
The case stems from a March 27 crash in Jupiter Island, Florida. Martin County officials said Woods was attempting to pass a truck when his SUV clipped the back of the truck’s trailer. The impact caused the SUV to tip onto its side. No one was injured in the crash.
Investigators later found two hydrocodone pills in a pocket of Woods’ pants, according to a probable cause affidavit. A breathalyzer test found no alcohol in his system. Authorities said he refused to provide a urine sample, which they wanted to use to check for drugs or medication.
The plea change now resolves the charges through the agreement, while the five-year driving ban remains a major condition of the case. The original DUI allegations followed the rollover crash and included both the suspected impairment issue and Woods’ refusal to take the urine test. The court’s order means he must not drive during the full suspension period or risk further legal consequences.