Justin Timberlake has finalized a plea agreement to conclude his drink-driving legal issues in the United States. The popular music artist, originally facing charges of driving while intoxicated, appeared in a New York state court, where he pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving while impaired, classified as a non-criminal offense.
As part of the plea deal, Timberlake will pay a fine of $500, along with a $260 surcharge, complete 25 hours of community service, and deliver a public safety announcement outside the courthouse. In his statement, he urged, “Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car.” He reflected on his mistake, stating, “I hope whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this. I know I certainly have.”
The multi-Grammy Award winner was arrested on June 18 for running a stop sign and failing to maintain his lane in the Hamptons, a favored vacation spot for many celebrities. According to police reports, Timberlake displayed “bloodshot and glassy” eyes, and there was a “strong odour of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath when officers stopped him.
Timberlake declined a breathalyser test and did not perform well on the field sobriety tests administered by the police. He allegedly told the officer, “I had one Martini and I followed my friends home.” Timberlake’s attorney stated that the singer consumed one drink over a span of two hours that evening.
During a previous court appearance conducted virtually from Europe, where Timberlake was on tour, he denied the initial charges of driving while intoxicated, which can result in penalties including incarceration and the suspension of a driver’s license in New York. Following his arrest, Timberlake acknowledged the situation at a Chicago performance, mentioning, “It’s been a tough week.”
