Justin Timberlake has now publicly admitted to drunk driving. In a new video outside of Sag Harbor Police Department on Friday (Sept. 13), the ‘SexyBack’ singer urged folks not to follow his example. This comes after Timberlake pled guilty to one DWI (driving while under the influence) count, per The Associated Press.
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As previously reported, Sag Harbor cops arrested Timberlake on June 18 in their New York town. The arrest report noted that Justin had glassy eyes and alcohol on his breath. Furthermore, he refused to take a breathalyzer test after a field sobriety test. Cops charged him with one DWI count and cited him for running a stop sign and failing to keep his vehicle in the correct lane.
Update On Justin Timberlake’s DWI Case & Recap Of His Safety Message
After initially pleading not guilty, Timberlake flipped and pled guilty to the DWI earlier this month. On Friday, the consequences for the traffic violation were revealed. According to AP, his sentence includes a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge and 25 hours of community service with a nonprofit. Additionally, Justin’s license will remain suspended for 90 days. A Sag Harbor judge previously suspended the singer’s driving privileges in early August.
The fines and community service mentioned are just two aspects of the plea deal Justin Timberlake struck with prosecutors. He was also required to deliver Friday’s public safety message.
“I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that. And I also understand that…I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform. And so what I’d like to say to everyone watching, even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives,” Justin said before running down the list of options from calling a friend to using a rideshare company.
Furthermore, Justin said that he made a “mistake,” but hopes that people watching can learn from it. “I know that I certainly have,” Timberlake added. He also shared gratitude for the people and officials of Sag Harbor and the opportunity to “move forward.”
Before his public statement, he told Judge Carl Irace that he “should’ve had better judgment” and that he understood the “seriousness” of his actions. Ultimately, Judge Irace added the 25 hours of community service after expressing disappointment in the plea deal offered by prosecutors and the appropriateness of the public statement, per AP.
Meanwhile, Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., continued to emphasize to reporters that Justin only had one drink during two hours of dining at the American Hotel.
“Contrary to what was reported, he wasn’t drinking other peoples’ drinks or warned in advance not to drive,” Burke stated following the hearing.
At this time, it’s unclear where Justin Timberlake plans to execute his community service, but he has the choice is his.
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