Tiger Woods Arrested for DUI in South Florida – Prescription Drugs to Blame

June 2, 2017

Tiger Woods was arrested on a charge of driving under the influence last week near his home in Jupiter, Florida.

In a statement released Monday night, Woods said alcohol was not a factor in his arrest, which he said stemmed from an “unexpected reaction” to prescription medication.

“I understand the severity of what I did and I take full responsibility for my actions,” Woods said in the statement. “I want the public to know that alcohol was not involved. What happened was an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications. I didn’t realize the mix of medications had affected me so strongly. I would like to apologize with all my heart to my family, friends and the fans. I expect more from myself too. I will do everything in my power to ensure this never happens again. I fully cooperated with law enforcement, and I would like to personally thank the representatives of the Jupiter Police Department and the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office for their professionalism.”

Woods, the winner of 14 major championships who is recovering from April back surgery, was released on his own recognizance at 10:50 a.m. ET after spending several hours in jail. He was booked at 7:18 a.m.

He was taken into custody at 3 a.m., according to a police spokeswoman.

The arrest report charges Woods with DUI-unlawful blood alcohol/DUI alcohol or drugs.

Last week, Woods, 41, made his first public comments via his website since undergoing back surgery on April 19. The fusion in his lower back will cause him to miss the rest of the 2017 season and means he is unlikely to partake in strenuous physical activity for months.

Many people fail to take into account that they can be arrested for DUI while driving under the influence of certain medications. It does not matter if the prescription drugs were legally prescribed by a doctor and taken in a lawful manner.

The most common prescription drugs that result in DUI arrests include painkillers and depressants that are designed to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and convulsions. Prescription sleeping pills can also severely impair a person’s ability to drive. The following are some of the most common prescription drugs that can lead to DUI:

• Hydrocodone: Vicodin, Lortab, Lorcet
• Oxycodone: Percocet, Oxycontin
• Codeine
• Fentanyl
• Ambien
• Lunesta
• Morphine
• Diazepam: Valium
• Alprazolam: Xanax
• Ritalin
• Adderall

If you are arrested for DUI, what you need to remember is to call a Florida DUI Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton right away. You should provide your identifying information to the arresting officer, but refrain from saying anything else. You can be polite and let the officer know that your attorney will speaking on your behalf and will answer any questions they have.

DUI charges can be serious, so make sure you are smart in handling this matter. Call us today at 561-367-8777 or contact us online for a free consultation.