Justin Timberlake Avoids DWI Charges, Pleads to Traffic Violation with Fine and PSA Commitment
Justin Timberlake will not face drunk driving charges after reaching a plea deal in his DWI case. Instead of the original DWI charge, he pleads guilty to a traffic violation, agreeing to a fine between $300 to $500 and a public service video for Mothers Against Drunk Driving. His driving license will be suspended for six months due to refusing a Breathalyzer test when arrested for running a stop sign.
Justin Timberlake has reached a plea agreement in connection with a DWI case stemming from his June arrest in the Hamptons, allowing him to avoid a drunk driving charge. The singer will plead guilty to a lesser traffic violation.
Details of the Plea Agreement
The arrangement allows Timberlake to plead guilty to Driving While Ability Impaired, a charge that replaces the original DWI accusation. This deal, which was reported by TMZ, requires Timberlake to pay a fine ranging from $300 to $500. An essential aspect of the agreement is Timberlake's commitment to produce a public service video for the organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
Court Hearing Scheduled
The specific amount of the fine will be determined by a judge during a court session scheduled for Friday at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court. The plea bargain negotiated by Timberlake’s attorney, Eddie Burke Jr., and the Suffolk County district attorney ensures that the artist will not leave with a criminal record.
Arrest Circumstances
Timberlake's arrest occurred in the early hours of June 18, following a night out in the upscale Sag Harbor area. Police reported that he was stopped after running a stop sign while driving his BMW X7. Local law enforcement officials pursued Timberlake after observing him swerving on the road.
Observations and Testing
Upon stopping, officers noted that Timberlake displayed signs of impairment, including glassy eyes and a strong smell of alcohol. According to police reports, he was unable to divide his attention, spoke slowly, and showed unsteadiness on his feet. He performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests. Despite being asked to take a breathalyzer test, he refused.
Timberlake's Statement
In police documents, Timberlake stated he had consumed one martini and was following friends home. The singer, who began his career as a Disney Mouseketeer alongside Britney Spears, is currently married to actress Jessica Biel, with whom he has two sons. Timberlake gained fame as a member of the boy band NSYNC before launching a successful solo career in 2002, establishing himself as a major figure in pop music during the early 2000s.
