‘Trenton’s Law’ Gains Spotlight After Tiger Woods Arrest

Just days after golfer Tiger Woods was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, Mandi Stewart, a St. Johns County mother, spoke out about a law named after her son that could impact cases like Woods’. The law, known as ‘Trenton’s Law,’ aims to increase penalties for impaired drivers.

The Story Behind Trenton’s Law

Trenton Stewart, a St. Johns County teenager, was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2023. He would have been a senior in high school this fall. Trenton was a football player at Stetson University when he was struck and killed while home on a college break.

Increased Penalties for Refusal to Test

Following her son’s death, Mandi Stewart began advocating for stricter penalties for impaired drivers. Her efforts led to the passage of ‘Trenton’s Law,’ which increases penalties for drivers who refuse to submit to breath or urine testing. Stewart emphasized that her advocacy isn’t focused on individuals, even in high-profile cases.

“It doesn’t matter who is being impacted by the changes that we’ve made in the law,” Stewart said. “That’s never easy for me and never something that I consider to be a fulfillment.”

Woods’ Arrest and the Law’s Application

Tiger Woods was arrested last week in Martin County after a rollover crash. Police reported he exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. While a breath test showed no alcohol, Woods refused a urine test.

Under ‘Trenton’s Law,’ a first-time refusal to submit to testing is now a separate misdemeanor offense. The law intends to encourage compliance with testing procedures and raise awareness of the consequences of refusal.

A Focus on Prevention

Stewart expressed hope that the law will lead to a reduction in impaired driving incidents. “I don’t think anybody wins in a situation like that,” she said. “What brings me peace is when I hear that stats are being reduced as it relates to impaired driving, vehicular homicides, and casualties.”

The driver responsible for Trenton Stewart’s death, Ariel Monteagudo, was traveling over 100 miles per hour the wrong way when the crash occurred. Monteagudo had a prior fatal crash conviction from 2001 and had served a 10-year prison sentence.

‘Trenton’s Law’ also increases the maximum penalty for repeat offenders convicted of vehicular homicide or DUI manslaughter from 15 to 30 years in prison. Stewart’s ultimate goal is prevention. “It’s not about catching people driving impaired,” Stewart said. “It’s about preventing people from driving impaired.”

Stewart plans to track the law’s impact on impaired driving trends through a foundation established in her son’s name. She also expressed hope that Woods will seek help if needed, noting his recent announcement to step away from golf for treatment.