Justin Timberlake has been sentenced to a $500 fine, 25 hours of community service, and a 90-day suspension of his driver’s license after pleading guilty to driving while impaired in New York’s Hamptons earlier this year. The pop star made a public safety announcement urging people not to drive after consuming any alcohol, following his court appearance in Sag Harbor.
During the announcement in front of the Sag Harbor police department, Timberlake emphasized the importance of making safe choices after drinking. He expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he usually holds himself to high standards and recognized that he fell short in this instance. He urged others to consider alternatives like calling a friend, taking a taxi, or using ride-sharing apps instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Timberlake reflected on the impact of his arrest on the local community and indicated that he had taken time to think about the situation. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from his mistake and hoped his experience could help others avoid similar decisions.
The court’s judge, Carl Irace, commented on the plea deal and expressed disappointment at its terms, opting to add community service to the sentence for the potential benefits it may provide to those convicted. Timberlake’s attorney argued that the singer had only consumed one drink over two hours and maintained that he was polite during the arrest.
Timberlake was arrested shortly after midnight on June 18 for allegedly running a stop sign and exhibiting signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and impaired coordination. He claimed to have had one martini while following friends home.
Legal experts stated that the suspension of Timberlake’s license in New York could affect his driving status in other states due to interstate agreements on sharing violations. However, they acknowledged that processing such changes may take time.
Timberlake, who has been on tour promoting his latest album, is scheduled to perform in the New York City area soon. One local mother, who lost her son to a drunk driving incident, attended the event and expressed hope that Timberlake’s message would raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.