What happens next for Tiger Woods? An expert weighs in on the legal consequences of his crash, arrest

Tiger Woods has kept a low public profile over the weekend, after being involved in a rollover car crash in Jupiter, Florida, and subsequently being taken into custody on a DUI charge.

The pro golfer, 50, has yet to publicly comment on the matter. Per Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, while no alcohol was detected, Tiger did display “signs of impairment” when he was taken into custody.

We spoke with Florida-based transportation attorney Doug Burnetti, who offered some exclusive insight to HELLO! on what can happen next for the dad-of-two.

A verdict and a sentencing

“A judge will evaluate the full range of aggravating factors, including the severity of the crash, the allegations of impairment despite no alcohol being detected, and the fact that this is Tiger Woods’ second DUI-related case,” Doug explained.

“Those factors could weigh heavily in sentencing, potentially resulting in enhanced penalties such as an extended license suspension, fines, and additional court-imposed conditions. Tiger could easily be looking at a two-year suspension of his driver’s license and a monetary fine.”

Avoiding jail time

The lower severity of the Masters champ’s charge means that the idea of jail time for the athlete “seems unlikely,” however the greater effect could actually be on optics and what it could mean for his legal record in general.

“If prosecutors were to reduce this to a reckless driving charge again, that would raise serious questions given what we know, which is [that] he appeared to be driving impaired and seriously crashed his vehicle,” Doug detailed.

© Martin County Sheriff’s Office

“Even though no alcohol was detected that could mean other substances may be the reason for his alleged impaired driving, and this is not the first time Tiger has been involved in a serious crash.”

He added: “Tiger Woods’ prior DUI and driving history could become relevant at sentencing. A judge could view this latest crash as a pattern and weigh it as an aggravating factor when determining penalties.”

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The one key element

Our expert also notes that while there was no alcohol detected on Tiger at the time of his detainment, his refusal to submit to a full test of his faculties could very well be a factor when it comes to a sentencing.

“We know Tiger submitted to a breath test, but refused to do a urine test and that could possibly be used against him in court because it does suggest he knew he was impaired and was not safe behind the wheel even though no alcohol was detected.”

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He has also been charged with property damage, also a misdemeanor, and refusal to submit to a lawful test. “The DUI investigators came to the scene and Mr Woods did exemplify signs of impairment,” Sheriff Budensiek said during a press conference. “They did several tests on him. He did explain the injuries and surgeries that he’s had and we did take that into account, but they did some in-depth roadside tests.”