Arrested last June and suspected of drunken driving, Justin Timberlake appeared Friday before the Sag Harbor Village court in Long Island (New York State). Accompanied by his lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., Justin Timberlake finally pleaded guilty to a non-criminal offense of driving under the influence.
During the hearing, Judge Carl Irace found the star’s proposed “plea deal” insufficient, so he asked the singer if he would volunteer for a nonprofit organization of his choice.
Community service and fine
Justin Timberlake responded positively, saying, “I’m willing to do it.” He will have to complete 25 hours of community service within a year and pay a fine of up to $500. His New York driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days.
After the hearing, Justin Timberlake spoke in court to express his regret and told reporters that he had high standards in life and had not met them at that particular time.
“I found myself in a situation where I could have made a different choice,” he said, adding, “even if you had one drink, don’t drive. There are so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber… It was a mistake that I made, but I hope that those who are watching and listening right now can learn from that mistake. I know I certainly learned from it.”
No, he didn’t finish the others’ drinks.
Edward Burke Jr. also spoke to reporters. He made it clear that his client had only one drink in a two-hour period at the American Hotel. He also denied reports that Justin Timberlake had drunk other people’s drinks or that he had been warned not to drive.
He added that the singer did not display any rudeness or aggressive behavior toward law enforcement. “He was not rude, he was not obnoxious, he was not belligerent. In fact, he was polite, cooperative and respectful throughout his interaction with law enforcement, just as they were with him,” Burke concluded.