September 13th 2024.
On Friday, Justin Timberlake appeared in court to plead guilty to impaired driving. This was in connection to his arrest in the Hamptons back in June. The former boy band singer, now a solo star and actor, was given a sentence of a $500 fine plus a $260 surcharge, 25 hours of community service, and a requirement to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of impaired driving.
After the hearing, Timberlake addressed the media and onlookers outside the courthouse, expressing his disappointment in himself and his actions. "I always strive to hold myself to a high standard, and this was not one of those moments," he stated. He also took the opportunity to remind others to never get behind the wheel after drinking, emphasizing the numerous alternatives available such as calling a friend, taking an Uber, or even using travel apps.
During the court proceedings, Timberlake stood throughout and gave a statement expressing his remorse for his actions. He also mentioned that growing up in a small town has made him appreciate the impact his arrest has had on the community. He has had a lot of time to reflect on his actions and is grateful for the opportunity to move forward and use his platform to help others make better decisions.
The judge, Carl Irace, expressed disappointment with the proposed plea deal from the prosecutors. He questioned the appropriateness of the public announcement Timberlake intended to make immediately after the hearing and added on community service requirements to the sentence to give Timberlake more time to reflect on his actions.
Initially, Timberlake had pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated and had his driver's license suspended during a hearing last month. However, his lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., maintained that Timberlake had only had one drink in two hours at the American Hotel. He also added that his client was polite and cooperative during his arrest, contrary to what was reported.
The pop star's arrest occurred in Sag Harbor, New York, after he ran a stop sign, veered out of his lane, and was found to be smelling of alcohol. Police reports stated that Timberlake's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, and he had slowed speech, was unsteady on his feet, and performed poorly on sobriety tests. He had told the officer that he had one martini and was following some friends home.
Sag Harbor is a historic whaling village located in the Hamptons, an area of seaside communities about 160 kilometers east of New York City. Timberlake's license suspension in New York could potentially affect his ability to drive in other states, according to a legal expert. Refusing a breathalyzer test, as Timberlake did during his arrest, automatically triggers a suspension of one's license under New York state law, which should also be enforced in other states.
Despite the potential impact on his ability to drive, Timberlake has not publicly addressed his arrest. However, during a performance in Chicago just days after the incident, he acknowledged the tough week he had been through. "You're here, and I'm here," he told the audience. "Nothing can change this moment right now."
Timberlake has been on tour for months, promoting his latest album. He will be returning to the New York City area in the coming weeks for concerts in Newark, New Jersey, and Brooklyn. His agent and other representatives have not responded to requests for comments. However, according to a legal expert, most states participate in the interstate Driver's License Compact, which means that a license suspension in one state should be reflected in all other states. However, it can take some time for this information to be updated, and Timberlake has the resources to easily arrange for a driver if needed.
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