Justin Timberlake addressed the public after accepting a plea deal in his DWI case on Long Island. The 43-year-old singer appeared in court on Friday in Sag Harbor, where he pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired (DWAI), resulting in the dismissal of the original DWI charge.
As part of the plea deal, Timberlake is required to pay a $500 fine plus a $260 surcharge, and complete 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit organization of his choice within one year. Additionally, he made a public safety announcement immediately following his court appearance.
The presiding judge voiced concerns about the leniency of the plea deal and requested that Timberlake accept the community service requirement, to which he agreed.
Timberlake was met by a large crowd of reporters and fans as he entered the courthouse. After the proceedings, he reflected on his actions, acknowledging the mistake of driving after drinking.
“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel,” Timberlake urged. “There are so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber, use a travel app, or still, take a taxi. This is a mistake that I’ve made, but I hope others can learn from it.”
He expressed gratitude to the people of Sag Harbor for their patience amidst the media attention brought to the town and emphasized the importance of safety on the roads.
Timberlake’s attorney commented positively on the outcome, asserting that Timberlake was not intoxicated at the time of his arrest. He clarified that Timberlake consumed only one drink over a two-hour period and was respectful and cooperative during his interaction with law enforcement.
District Attorney Ray Tierney praised Timberlake for accepting responsibility and emphasized the seriousness of impaired driving. He noted that Timberlake received equal treatment under the law, underscoring the need for public awareness about the risks associated with drunk driving.
The courtroom also hosted the family of Andrew McMorris, a victim of a drunk driving incident, who expressed hope that Timberlake’s experience would contribute to significant changes in attitudes towards impaired driving.
Timberlake’s legal troubles began on June 18 when he was stopped for allegedly driving through a stop sign and veering onto the wrong side of the road. Officers reported detecting alcohol on his breath, along with other signs of impairment. He was initially charged with driving while intoxicated but later appeared in court and pleaded not guilty before ultimately accepting the plea deal.
Timberlake is set to continue his world tour with upcoming performances at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, and the Barclays Center in Brooklyn in early October.