Justin Timberlake receives Community Service in drunk driving case
Pop star Justin Timberlake was sentenced to community service on Friday after pleading guilty to a lesser charge following his arrest for drunk driving, according to U.S. media reports.
The 43-year-old entertainer was pulled over on June 18 in Sag Harbor, about 100 miles east of New York City, after police observed his BMW running a stop sign and swerving between lanes. Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace sentenced Timberlake to community service and required him to make a public statement after the singer pleaded guilty to driving while alcohol-impaired, NBC reported.
This traffic violation comes with a fine ranging from $300 to $500 and a 90-day suspension of his driver’s license. Timberlake reportedly told the judge he would be willing to perform between 25 and 40 hours of community service to resolve the case.
In a statement outside the court, Timberlake acknowledged his mistake. “I hold myself to a very high standard. This was not that. I could have made a better decision,” he said, advising others not to drive even after one drink. Timberlake, dressed in a dark cardigan and a pearl necklace, added, “I understand what this situation meant for the people of Sag Harbor, and I’m grateful for their understanding.”
Sag Harbor, located in the exclusive Hamptons area, is known for its luxury lifestyle and celebrity summer homes. The officer who stopped Timberlake noted that he appeared unfit to drive, though Timberlake maintained he had only one martini at the American Hotel with friends.
According to the police report, Timberlake exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and poor performance on sobriety tests. However, Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., emphasized that the singer was respectful and cooperative during the incident. “He wasn’t rude or belligerent, contrary to some reports. He was polite and cooperative throughout,” Burke said.
Timberlake’s guilty plea to the amended traffic violation reflects these facts, Burke added.