Tiger Woods may face imprisonment for past offenses.

The recent arrest of Tiger Woods, one of golf’s biggest names, has sparked a new wave of speculation about the legal consequences the athlete may face. The legendary golfer, who has won 15 major titles, was taken into custody last Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) with property damage and refusal to submit to a urine test. The collision occurred near his home in Jupiter Island, Florida, and while no one was injured, the implications of his previous infractions could complicate his situation.

Andrew Metcalf, a renowned criminal defense attorney in Florida, emphasizes that Woods should not be overly concerned about facing a severe prison sentence if found guilty, but his history of prior offenses may influence the sentencing. “Typically, in a DUI case without injuries, you’re probably not looking at jail time,” says Metcalf, a former president of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. However, he adds that Woods’ situation is more delicate due to his 2017 arrest for reckless driving, which makes this case more serious.

Metcalf’s analysis reveals that, although the legal maximum for DUI in Florida is nine months, he believes a sentence of up to 30 days is more plausible, given the golfer’s history. In 2017, Woods was arrested after being found asleep in his car, and subsequently, prescription medications and marijuana were detected in his system. The athlete ultimately pleaded guilty to reckless driving and participated in a diversion program, which included probation and a fine.

“The prosecutor reviewing the case would typically say, ‘Well, this isn’t your first DUI. The first time, we gave you a diversion,’” notes Metcalf. This means that Woods cannot expect the same leniency this time. Additionally, the attorney mentions that the 2021 accident, where Woods suffered serious leg injuries after rolling over his SUV in California, may increase the scrutiny from the prosecutor. Although the golfer was not charged with a crime in that incident, Metcalf believes that the attention generated by his celebrity could complicate matters further.

After the recent accident, Woods underwent a breathalyzer test, where no alcohol was detected. However, officers reported signs of possible intoxication, and since he refused to take a urine test, Metcalf suggests that the body camera footage from the officers could serve as evidence for the prosecution. “The prosecutor has that material to use,” says Metcalf. “You can go to a jury and say, ‘We’ve all seen people under the influence. Look at this. What do you think?’”

Finally, the issue of Woods’ fame is also a factor to consider. Metcalf states that the golfer’s celebrity may affect the treatment he receives in court, but perhaps not in the way he expected. “I have had the privilege of representing billionaires, and no matter what is said, they are treated differently. That is a reality. And I don’t mean to say that this makes things easier; often, it can make everything much more difficult,” he concludes.

The implications of the Tiger Woods case go far beyond a simple DUI; they question the relationship between fame, responsibility, and the justice system. As the sports world watches, the tension grows as the unfolding of this situation is awaited, which could impact the career of a golf legend.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.