Tiger Woods contests subpoena regarding prescription medication records
The attorney for Tiger Woods is contesting the prosecutors’ efforts to subpoena the prescription drug records of the 15-time major champion from a pharmacy, as indicated by court documents submitted on Wednesday.
In response to the state’s request for a subpoena, attorney Douglas Duncan stated that Woods possesses a constitutional Right to Privacy concerning his prescription records and has sought a hearing to assess whether prosecutors should be permitted to access Woods’ records held at Lewis Pharmacy in Palm Beach, Florida.
“This right is not absolute if the State can demonstrate the relevance of the records to its criminal investigation, thereby justifying an intrusion into Mr. Woods’ privacy,” Duncan noted in the motion.
Prosecutors are seeking details on how many times Woods’ prescriptions were filled from January 1 to March 27, the quantity of pills, the dosage amounts, and any accompanying instructions, including warnings regarding driving while under their influence, as outlined in the subpoena request.
Woods entered a not guilty plea in his DUI case on March 31, just four days after his SUV struck a trailer and overturned near his residence in Hobe Sound, Florida. Authorities reported that he appeared impaired and had two pills in his pants pocket.
Woods faces charges of misdemeanor DUI, refusal to submit to a lawful test, and distracted driving, which is classified as a moving violation.
Following his arrest, Woods issued a statement indicating that he would be stepping back from professional golf to pursue treatment and prioritize his health. It is reported that he entered a treatment facility in Switzerland earlier this month.
Duncan stated that the defense opposed the issuance of a subpoena and requested a court hearing to evaluate whether the prescription drug records are “relevant to a criminal investigation.”
If the court decides to approve the state’s subpoena request, Duncan has asked the judge to implement a protective order to “ensure that Woods’ prescription records are only accessible to the State, its law enforcement personnel, any State experts, and the Defense.”
“The records shall not be shared with any third parties, including an order that prohibits the State from disseminating the records in response to any public records requests,” Duncan wrote. “If and when it becomes necessary for the State to publicly disclose said records or any part of them, a hearing must be conducted to determine the necessity of such disclosure.”
