Justin Timberlake recently admitted to driving while impaired in the Hamptons. He appeared in front of the Sag Harbor police to urge others not to drive after drinking, even just one drink.
Justin Timberlake Biography
| Name | Justin Timberlake |
| Age | 43 years |
| Networth | $250 million |
| Country | American |
Timberlake said he holds himself to high standards and felt he fell short.
“Don’t drive after even one drink,” he said. “There are plenty of other options. Call a friend, use Uber, or take a taxi. I made this mistake, but I hope others can learn from it. I’ve learned a lot from it myself.”
The NSYNC star spoke in court, saying he grew up in a small town. He understands how his arrest has affected a close-knit community like Sag Harbor.
The old whaling village mentioned in “Moby-Dick” is in the Hamptons, about 100 miles east of New York City.
The Incident
Justin Timberlake was arrested there just after midnight on June 18. Police said he ran a stop sign, swerved out of his lane, and smelled of alcohol.
Timberlake, 43, told the officer he had one martini and was following friends home. He first pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving while intoxicated.
Court Proceedings
Timberlake told the court he’s had time to think about his actions and is “grateful” for a chance to move on and help others make better choices. He admitted, “I should have had better judgment” and understands how serious this is.
Judge Carl Irace was open to lowering Timberlake’s charge since it’s his first offense. He appreciated Timberlake’s sincere words but thought the planned public announcement was “unsatisfactory.”
Irace thinks adding community service would give the singer a chance to think about what he did. He believes this can be helpful and rewarding for the person involved.
Prosecutor Patrick O’Connell mentioned that they considered suggesting community service. However, they decided a statement from Timberlake might be more useful, especially for inspiring young people around the world.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Timberlake’s case shows that “no one is above the law,” even the rich and famous.
He emphasized that Timberlake got the same treatment as any other defendant and that justice should be fair for everyone, no matter their status.
In the courtroom was Alisa McMorris, whose 12-year-old son was killed by a drunk driver in 2018. She now runs a foundation in his memory. McMorris hopes Timberlake’s comments will raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
“Justin has a big platform,” she said. “He can influence the next generation. I tell kids to always have a plan for getting home safely, and he talked about that. I don’t want any other family to go through what we did.”
Lawyer’s Statement
Edward Burke Jr., Timberlake’s lawyer, said outside court after Friday’s hearing that Timberlake had just one drink over two hours at the American Hotel before his arrest.
Burke clarified that Timberlake wasn’t drinking other people’s drinks and wasn’t warned not to drive. He said the lesser charge Timberlake agreed to matches these facts.
During the hearing, Timberlake promised Judge Irace he wouldn’t drive after drinking again. The judge, usually serious, added with a smile, “But come back to Sag Harbor! It’s a great place.”
FAQS
What is Justin Timberlake being charged for?
Justin Timberlake is charged with impaired driving.
When did Justin Timberlake come out?
Justin Timberlake has not publicly identified as LGBTQ+, so he has not come out.
Why was Justin Timberlake so famous?
Justin Timberlake gained fame as a pop singer and actor, known for his work with *NSYNC and his successful solo music career.
Why is Timberlake in court?
Timberlake is in court for a case involving impaired driving.
