Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to lesser charge in summer DUI case

Justin Timberlake

Pop star Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty on Friday to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired in a New York State court. This followed his arrest over the summer for failing to obey a stop sign and veering off lane in Sag Harbor, Long Island.

Justin Timberlake, 43, initially faced a more serious charge of driving while intoxicated, but reached a plea agreement that reduced the offense, multiple media outlets reported. He was fined $500, ordered to perform 25-40 hours of community service, and must participate in creating a public safety announcement, according to Variety. His attorney, Edward Burke, expressed satisfaction with the reduced charge and denied claims that Timberlake was drunk at the time of his arrest, CBS News reported.

Justin Timberlake’s arrest occurred on June 18, when he was stopped shortly after midnight while driving a 2025 gray BMW. Police reports indicated that his eyes were bloodshot, he smelled of alcohol, and he was unsteady on his feet. Justin Timberlake also performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused a breathalyzer test, court documents revealed. He admitted to the officer that he had consumed one martini prior to driving.

ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut Expresses Aspiration of Making Films Like Guru Dutt: There is no greater filmmaker in our history

Although Justin Timberlake initially pleaded not guilty in August, he agreed to the reduced charge, which resulted in a lighter sentence. His license had already been suspended as part of the consequences. After the hearing, Justin Timberlake addressed reporters, acknowledging his mistake.

ALSO READ: Super Junior’s Sungmin and Kim Sa-eun welcomes their first child, a baby boy

"This is a mistake that I made but I'm hoping that whoever's watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have. And like I said -- even one drink. Don't get behind the wheel of a car," Justin Timberlake said. He expressed hope that others could learn from his experience, emphasizing that even one drink should deter someone from getting behind the wheel.