Ohio fans of superstar golfer Tiger Woods might be interested in learning that he is scheduled to plead guilty in his DUI case and begin his diversion program on Oct. 27. Woods will plead guilty to reckless driving and be placed on probation for one year.
If he is able to complete the diversion program successfully, his reckless driving conviction will be expunged from his record. However, if he drives while intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs in the future, it will count as his second DUI, subjecting him to jail time.
Woods was taken into custody on May 29 after officers discovered him sleeping in his Mercedes-Benz. A blood test showed that Woods had anti-anxiety medications, painkillers, sleep medications and marijuana in his system. He did not have any alcohol in his blood, however. Woods apologized for the incident and said that he had been trying to recuperate from a back surgery and had started self-medicating. With his guilty plea, Woods will have to complete some community service hours, complete DUI school, pay a $250 fine and complete other ordered tasks.
Getting charged with drunk driving may result in multiple penalties. While some people may not realize it, they can get charged with driving under the influence of drugs even if they have not been drinking alcohol. People who are facing charges might want to get help from experienced DUI attorneys who could challenge the stops and investigations that resulted in the charges in some cases. They may also negotiate plea agreements to lesser charges or to favorable dispositions that avoid incarceration. Attorneys may also attend administrative hearings for their clients to try to preserve their ability to retain their driving privileges.
Source: Golf, “Tiger Woods set to enter plea bargain for DUI arrest“, Oct. 24, 2017
