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Justin Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., claimed the actor was not intoxicated when he was arrested last month. During the first court hearing on Friday, July 26, 2024, Burke alleged that the cops made several significant errors in the case.
Burke, an attorney from Sag Harbor known for handling high-profile cases, asked to dismiss the case due to clerical error, stating:
"The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI."
For the uninitiated, the Sag Harbor police arrested the Cry Me a River singer on June 18 for driving while intoxicated (DWI). Per a statement by the SHPD, Timberlake was pulled over for skipping a stop sign and veering out of his lane.
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It elaborated that the actor failed the field sobriety test and refused to take a Breathalyzer test. Additionally, the officer described Justin Timberlake's eyes as "bloodshot" and "glassy."
Justin Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., has previously represented high-profile clients, Jason Kidd and Matt Lauer
The singer-actor was charged with a single count of DWI for refusing the breath test and two court citations for running a stop sign and not traveling in the correct lane.
The attorney explained that Justin Timberlake "respect(ed) law enforcement" and hence cooperated with the police. Talking to the press outside, Burke argued:
"You heard the DA try to fix one of those errors, but that’s just one, and there are many others. Sometimes the police make mistakes and this is just one of those instances."
Additionally, according to Burke, the initial charging papers were signed by the arresting officer and a part-time police officer instead of a superior officer. Per a report by the New York Post, the prosecutors arrived with the newly signed paperwork. Justice Carl Irace ruled that Justin Timberlake would be arraigned again with the correct documents.
Edward Burke Jr. is a Hampton local known for representing celebrities in high-profile cases. Per the Daily Beast, the attorney's previous clients include Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, former Today Show host Matt Lauer, and publicist Lizzie Grubman.
Burke is the son of a former New York Supreme Court judge, Edward D. Burke, Sr. Per the attorney's bio, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in business and political science from Providence College and his Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University Law School.
After graduation, he spent seven years as a prosecutor at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office before entering private law in 1996. In 2005, he opened his practice, Edward Burke, Jr. & Associates, LLC.
Burke is married to his wife Patricia, and they share three sons: Matthew, Edward, and Brendan.
While the 43-year-old singer was not present in court on account of his The Forget Tomorrow World Tour in Rauron Arena in Krakow, Timberlake is set to attend the next hearing virtually, scheduled for August 2.
