Justin Timberlake arrested: Singer pleads guilty to drunk driving in Sag Harbor and speaks out against drunk driving

SAG HARBOR, New York (WABC) — Justin Timberlake appeared in Sag Harbor Village Court on Friday to negotiate a plea deal in connection with his drunken driving case.

He arrived at his lawyer's office before his court date and was greeted by a crowd of media and fans outside the courtroom.

Timberlake, 43, pleaded guilty to a lesser offense: driving under the influence. He was fined $500 and ordered to pay an additional $260 in penalties and agreed to make a public service announcement about the dangers of drunk driving.

But Sag Harbor Village Judge Carl Irace is also requiring Timberlake to perform 25 to 40 hours of community service, which he must complete within a year. Timberlake can choose the organization where he performs the community service.

Timberlake addressed the media after the trial and urged the public not to drive under the influence of alcohol.

“Even if you've only had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car. There are so many alternatives,” Timberlake said. “That was a mistake I made, but I hope that anyone listening or watching can learn from that mistake.”

Timberlake expressed remorse for his actions.

WATCH | Justin Timberlake's full comments following his court date:

“I have not reached the standards I try to set for myself,” he said.

Timberlake said he was “grateful for the opportunity to move forward” and hopefully use his platform to help others make “better choices.”

“I should have judged better,” he told the judge. “I understand the seriousness of the situation.”

The singer was leaving the American Hotel in June when he was stopped for ignoring a stop sign and driving into the oncoming lane.

Defense attorney Ed Burke said Timberlake drank one drink over a two-hour period that June evening at the American Hotel.

“My client was not driving while intoxicated,” Burke said.

Timberlake was “polite, cooperative and respectful” toward police, Burke said.

District Attorney Ray Tierney issued the following statement:

“Today, Mr. Timberlake pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for driving while intoxicated. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his conduct and use his platform to raise public awareness of the dangers of driving while intoxicated. As previously stated, Mr. Timberlake was treated the same as any other defendant. Justice should be served equally to all people, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status. Driving while intoxicated or drugged is an extremely serious public safety issue across the country. These drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent road users of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and economic status. In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transportation and rideshare, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel while impaired in any way. My office remains committed to holding individuals accountable for driving while intoxicated or drugged, and we will continue to work to keep our community safe.”

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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