Justin Timberlake, the renowned pop star and actor, appeared at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on Friday to accept a plea deal following his June arrest for driving while impaired. Timberlake, 43, is expected to avoid more severe drunk driving charges in favor of a downgraded violation of “Driving While Ability Impaired” (DWAI), which is classified as a traffic offense rather than a criminal charge.
Justin Timberlake appeared in Sag Harbor Village Court and pleaded guilty Friday to impaired driving, resolving the criminal case stemming from his June arrest in the Hamptons. https://t.co/4Sny91CKNf
— Yahoo Entertainment (@YahooEnt) September 13, 2024
Arriving casually dressed, Timberlake is poised to receive a lighter penalty, including a fine ranging from $300 to $500 and a 90-day suspension of his driver’s license. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized that Timberlake’s case is being handled in the same way as similar cases, rejecting any notion of preferential treatment.
The arrest took place in June after Timberlake reportedly ran a stop sign near the American Hotel in Sag Harbor. According to the police, Timberlake showed signs of intoxication, such as “bloodshot and glassy” eyes and poor balance, but he declined to take a breathalyzer test. Timberlake claimed he had only consumed “one martini” with friends, but failed several field sobriety tests, leading to his arrest.
Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to impaired driving after DWI arrest: Justin Timberlake appeared in person for a court hearing Friday in Sag Harbor. The pop star was charged with DWI after an arrest in June. https://t.co/4V7Knw0EkS #BreakingNews pic.twitter.com/Gi62C6esU3
— ZBreakingNewz (@ZBreakingNewz) September 13, 2024
This court appearance marks Timberlake’s second since being charged. In a previous virtual hearing in August, Timberlake’s driver’s license was temporarily suspended. His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., has consistently denied that Timberlake was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Despite the legal proceedings, Timberlake has continued his music career, with fans showing strong support at his concerts. Social media memes about the incident, particularly about the young officer not recognizing Timberlake, have further fueled the conversation surrounding the case. Nonetheless, Timberlake’s public image remains largely intact, with his supporters standing by him.
Key Points:
i. Justin Timberlake is set to accept a plea deal in Sag Harbor, downgrading his drunk driving charge to a traffic violation.
ii. He will likely face a fine between $300 and $500 and a 90-day suspension of his driver’s license.
iii. The arrest occurred in June when Timberlake ran a stop sign in Sag Harbor, showing signs of intoxication but claiming to have had only “one martini.”
iv. Suffolk County’s District Attorney assured the public that Timberlake’s case is being treated like any other, with no special treatment.
v. Despite the incident, Timberlake’s fans continue to support him, and his concerts remain popular, with the star maintaining his public reputation.
RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News