Pop star Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty to impaired driving on Friday, resolving a criminal case stemming from his June arrest in New York’s Hamptons. The 43-year-old singer and actor appeared in Sag Harbor Village Court to enter his plea, facing consequences for an incident that occurred in the early hours of June 18.
Judge Carl Irace sentenced Timberlake to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service, and mandated him to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of impaired driving. The judge expressed disappointment with the initial plea deal proposed by prosecutors, adding the community service requirement to ensure a more reflective period for the star.
During the proceedings, Timberlake remained standing and delivered a remorseful statement. “I try to hold myself to a very high standard, and this was not that,” he told the court. He acknowledged the strain his actions had placed on the small community of Sag Harbor and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to move forward.
Outside the courthouse, Timberlake addressed the media and onlookers, urging others to learn from his mistake. “Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car,” he emphasized, listing alternatives such as calling a friend, using ride-sharing apps, or taking a taxi.
The arrest occurred when police observed Timberlake running a stop sign in the village center, veering out of his lane, and exiting his BMW smelling of alcohol. Court filings described the Tennessee native as having “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, slowed speech, and poor performance on sobriety tests.
Edward Burke Jr., Timberlake’s attorney, maintained that his client had consumed only one drink over two hours at the American Hotel. “Contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other peoples’ drinks, or warned in advance not to drive,” Burke stated, adding that Timberlake was polite and cooperative during his arrest.
The incident has potentially far-reaching consequences for Timberlake’s driving privileges. Legal expert Kenneth Gober noted that refusing a Breathalyzer test, as Timberlake did, triggers an automatic license suspension in New York, which should be enforced in other states due to the interstate Driver’s License Compact.
Timberlake, a 10-time Grammy winner, hasn’t publicly addressed the arrest beyond a brief acknowledgment during a Chicago concert on June 21, where he told the audience, “It’s been a tough week.”
