Justin Timberlake issues mandated apology outside courthouse after pleading guilty in the DWI case

Justin Timberlake, the American singer and actor, delivered a court-ordered apology on Friday, September 13, after pleading guilty to driving while ability impaired (DWAI), a lesser charge than his original driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge.

Justin Timberlake addressed a crowd of reporters outside the Sag Harbor courthouse in New York, using the opportunity to urge people not to drive after consuming alcohol, no matter how little.

"Even if you've had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car," Timberlake stated. "There's so many alternatives—call a friend, take an Uber, there's many travel apps, take a taxi."

He emphasized that his mistake could serve as a learning experience for others, adding,

"This is a mistake that I made, but I'm hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have."

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Justin Timberlake reflects on mistakes and accepts consequences after pleading guilty in DWAI case

Earlier that same day, Timberlake, 43, pleaded guilty to DWAI, a traffic violation that differs from a DWI in the level of intoxication. DWAI, however, is not a criminal case, unlike the DWI case.

In the plea deal signed by Timberlake, he will be charged $500, spend 25 hours volunteering for a nonprofit organization of his choosing as well as record a public service announcement concerning the risks of driving while under the influence of alcohol. His driver's license was also to be suspended for 90 days as they agreed as a measure that would be taken.

In his statement to the presiding judge, Timberlake apologized and said he was ashamed of himself for the incident that happened on June 18.

"I found myself in a position where I should've taken a moment," he said. "I understand and appreciate the seriousness of this."

Timberlake was arrested on the morning of June 18 after the officers saw him drive through a stop sign and cross over the lanes recklessly in Sag Harbor. Earlier that night the pop star had been socialising with friends in a bar in the area.

Timberlake's lawyer at the time, Edward Burke Jr., argued that Timberlake had only one martini and that he was "not intoxicated", but the police went ahead and arrested him.

Justin Timberlake arrived at the courthouse for his hearing dressed casually in brown trousers and a black T-shirt, accompanied by a matching cardigan. He spoke to the court about the "time to reflect" he had since the incident, acknowledging that he did not live up to the standard he set for himself.

"I grew up in a small town, so I understand and appreciate the strain or unique nature my case has imposed on Sag Harbor," Justin Timberlake added,

referring to the local impact of his high-profile case on the community of about 2,500 people.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized that Justin Timberlake's case was handled like any other similar case, ensuring no special treatment due to his celebrity status.

"The one thing that we want to make sure we're doing is being consistent," Tierney explained. "We don't want to treat any defendant better or worse because of their notoriety."

The judge presiding over the case, Justice Carl Irace, acknowledged Justin Timberlake's 'apology and sincerity, granting the plea deal. "I believe you," Irace stated before issuing the sentence.

In closing his apology outside the courthouse, Justin Timberlake expressed gratitude toward law enforcement and court officials, stating,

"I'm very grateful, and I thank them. I hope that everyone else does their part to stay safe. I'm going to do mine."

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Justin Timberlake is still in the middle of The Forget Tomorrow World Tour until June 2025. His next show is planned for September 28th in Newark New Jersey. The tour is expected to be among the 10 most popular tours in 2024 as stated by Billboard.