Justin Timberlake appeared in court today (September 13) where he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while impaired in a deal with prosecutors.
Timberlake was sentenced to 25 hours of community service and ordered to issue a public safety announcement by Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace. The judge also ordered him to pay a fine of $500 and suspended his license in New York State for 90 days as of Friday.
Judge Irace has allowed Timberlake to complete his community service for a non-profit of his choice, which must be completed within one year.
While the defence and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office agreed upon to sentencing, Judge Irace expressed disappointment in the plea deal, saying “it was lacking retribution” and “surprisingly favourable” to the *NSYNC star.
After the proceedings, Timberlake addressed reporters outside of the courthouse in Suffolk County, New York, admitting that he made a mistake.
“I try to hold myself to a very high standard of myself. And this was not that," he said. "I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that."
"What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car," he continued. "There are so many alternatives – call a friend, take an Uber, there are many travel apps, take a taxi."
"This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake," he concluded. "I know that I certainly have.”
Timberlake was arrested on June 17 after meeting with friends for dinner at the American Hotel that night. He was reportedly pulled over by police moments just after midnight and charged with driving while intoxicated and cited for running a stop sign and failing to keep on the right side of the roadway.
Watch his statement below.
"This is a mistake that I made."
— MSNBC (@MSNBC) September 13, 2024
Justin Timberlake speaks after reaching plea deal in DWI case. pic.twitter.com/8i2w15aL8L