Pop Star Justin Timberlake Pleads Guilty in Drunk Driving Case, Gets Off with Small Fine, Community Service
Pop star Justin Timberlake recently faced legal consequences for a drunk driving incident that took place in the Hamptons in June. He was arrested by Sag Harbor police and pleaded guilty, resulting in a $500 fine and 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit of his choice. Additionally, Timberlake has been instructed to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of impaired driving.
During his court appearance, Timberlake expressed regret for his actions, stating, “I should’ve had better judgment,” and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. He emphasized the importance of not driving after consuming alcohol, regardless of the amount, and encouraged others to seek alternative transportation options, such as ride-sharing apps or taxis.
Timberlake’s earlier claims regarding the incident—where he argued that the one martini he consumed should not warrant severe repercussions—sparked public criticism, especially considering that he initially refused to take a breathalyzer test. His case comes against a backdrop of heightened awareness about drunk driving, following recent tragic events involving impaired drivers.
He may not be facing the stiffest punishment, but pop star Justin Timberlake appeared plenty contrite about his much talked-about drunk driving case.
Timberlake, 43, came under intense scrutiny back in June when he was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
The incident occurred in New York’s Hamptons and involved the Sag Harbor Police Department.
First photos of Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) leaving the Sag Harbor Police Department following his arrest for DWI. pic.twitter.com/BngYULakr1
— #FreeBritney Live (@FreeBritneyLive) June 18, 2024
On Friday, the longtime music star pleaded guilty, according to the Associated Press.
The outlet reported that a New York judge has hit Timberlake with the following:
- A “$500 fine with a $260 surcharge”
- Twenty-five hours of community service work, at a nonprofit of Timberlake’s choosing
- “Make a public safety announcement about the dangers of impaired driving.”
“I should’ve had better judgment,” Timberlake told the judge, per the AP.
He added, “ I understand the seriousness of this.”
Later, while speaking to reporters, Timberlake appeared to fulfill the third bullet point.
“I try to hold myself to a very high standard, and this was not that,” Timberlake said after the hearing.
He continued: “Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives.
“Call a friend. Take an Uber. There’s many travel apps. Still, take a taxi.
“This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”
While any DUI/DWI incident carries a certain social stigma, Timberlake’s reported response to the June incident sparked a furor among observers.
Timberlake not only refused a breathalyzer test, he tried to use his ongoing tour as a reason for why he shouldn’t get in trouble.
The music star’s original claims about the incident (he claimed to have had “just one martini“) were corroborated, but the incident still reflected poorly on Timberlake — as observed by him admitting to his being “a mistake.”
Timberlake’s saga comes to a conclusion as drunk driving has been thrust back into the spotlight following the tragic death of NHL star Johnny Gaudreau and his brother at the hands of an impaired driver.
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