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What Tiger Woods Got Wrong During His DUI Arrest (And What You Should Do Instead)
Introduction
When news broke that Tiger Woods was arrested for DUI, millions of people watched the bodycam footage.
But most people missed the most important part.
This wasn’t just a celebrity arrest — it was a textbook example of what not to do when dealing with police.
And the same mistakes that hurt Tiger Woods can hurt anyone.
What Happened
In 2017, Tiger Woods was found asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle and later arrested for DUI.
The case ultimately involved prescription medications — not alcohol — but what stands out is how the interaction unfolded on camera.
He was:
- confused
- disoriented
- answering questions
- attempting to explain his situation
That’s where things went wrong.
The #1 Mistake: Talking to Police
Like most people, Tiger Woods tried to cooperate.
He answered questions.
He attempted to explain what was going on.
That’s a mistake.
Because once you start talking, you are giving law enforcement:
- statements to analyze
- inconsistencies to point out
- evidence to use against you
The Rule That Could Have Changed Everything
There is one phrase that protects you:
“I don’t answer questions.”
Then stop talking.
No explanations.
No guessing.
No trying to “help” the situation.
Why Talking Is So Dangerous
Even if you are:
- tired
- confused
- under medication
- completely innocent
What you say can still be used against you.
Police are trained to gather evidence — not to determine innocence on the roadside.
DUI Cases Are Built on Small Details
In many DUI cases, officers rely heavily on:
- statements
- demeanor
- responses to questions
Every word matters.
And those words are often what prosecutors rely on later.
What You Should Do Instead
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation:
- Be respectful
- Provide required documents
- Say:
“I don’t answer questions.” - Ask for a lawyer
Then stop talking.
The Bigger Lesson
This isn’t about Tiger Woods.
It’s about understanding that:
👉 Even highly successful, intelligent people make critical mistakes when interacting with police
Because they don’t know their rights — or don’t use them.
About the Author
David G. Ridings is a Nashville criminal defense attorney with almost 30 years of criminal defense experience and nearly 40 years on every side of the criminal justice system.
He is a former Metro Nashville Police Officer, former prosecutor, and has served as a Night Court Judicial Magistrate since 2023.
Known online as DrJudge, he has educated hundreds of thousands of people about their rights during police encounters — and has literally written the book on the subject, “I Don’t Answer Questions.”
Call to Action
If you are being investigated or charged with DUI:
👉 Don’t talk. Call 1-888-DRJUDGE
What you say today can decide your case tomorrow.
Contact Us Now
