In the early hours of May 29, 2017, Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods was arrested on suspicion of DUI in Jupiter, Florida. Jupiter police discovered the esteemed golfer asleep at the wheel of his 2015 Mercedes, with the car still running and the brake lights and turn signal still activated. The officers at the scene had to wake him up to get a response and administer field sobriety tests, of which he failed all the tests they conducted.
What Exactly Did Mr. Woods Do?
The police report stated that Mr. Woods was severely drowsy, disoriented, and did not know where he was. At the time, Mr. Woods claimed he had not had any alcohol before being found by police. He blamed his intoxication on adverse side effects of powerful prescription drugs and was later booked on charges of DUI-unlawful blood alcohol/DUI, which could apply in cases of drugs or alcohol. The toxicology report confirmed that he had no alcohol in his system at the time of arrest; however, it also revealed there were traces of five substances present: Vicodin, Xanax, Dilaudid, Ambien, and THC.
Although this potent drug cocktail heavily intoxicated Mr. Woods, he may stand a chance at avoiding criminal DUI charges through a local first-time offender program. Local attorneys weighed in to opine on whether or not he may be eligible.
Jupiter defense attorney Brian Gabriel believes that Mr. Woods has a strong chance of participating in the program, after having had several of his own clients complete the program.
“Chances are that he’ll be eligible. From what we know so far, his case isn’t unlike others who have finished [the program],” Mr. Gabriel stated Tuesday. Under the terms of the program, offenders must agree to serve twelve months on probation and complete other tasks, including taking classes and conducting community service.
Palm Beach County’s first time DUI offender program only applies to offenders in certain situations. To be eligible, a first-time DUI offender must meet certain requirements:
– He must not have crashed due to the DUI
– He must not have had minors or animals in the vehicle
– He must not have previously participated in a diversion program
– He must have a valid driver’s license at the time of arrest
– He must not have previously served a prison sentence, and
– He must not have other felony or drug possession charges pending
Mr. Woods may face denial due to a few significant facts. His car had sustained impacts to the driver’s side front and rear bumpers, while both tires of the driver’s side were flat, damaging the rims. It is not clear whether or not he actually struck anything, as there were no signs of such an incident near the scene.
Additionally, Mr. Woods had a highly publicized incident in 2009 in which he crashed into a tree after experiencing side effects from prescription sleep aid, Ambien.
If you face charges of DUI in Palm Beach County, attorney Brian Gabriel has had over 30 years of experience defending DUI cases. Contact The Law Office of Gabriel & Gabriel by calling 561-622-5575 or schedule a free consultation online.
