Justin Timberlake has reached a plea deal to bring his drink-driving case in the US to an end. The pop star, originally charged with driving while intoxicated, appeared in court in New York state and pleaded guilty to the less serious traffic offense of driving while impaired.
Timberlake has been ordered to pay a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge, complete 25 hours of community service, and make a public safety announcement outside court. The singer emphasized the importance of not getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, stating, “Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car.”
The 10-time Grammy winner was arrested in the Hamptons on June 18 for traffic violations and suspicion of driving under the influence. Officers noted his bloodshot and glassy eyes, as well as the smell of alcohol on his breath. Timberlake allegedly admitted to having one Martini and following his friends home that night.
Timberlake’s lawyer stated that the pop star had only consumed one drink over the course of two hours and that the district attorney’s office decided not to move forward with the driving while intoxicated charge after a thorough review.
This incident comes after Timberlake’s denial of driving while intoxicated in a previous court appearance, where he virtually appeared from Europe while on tour. The singer has been open about his struggles with excessive drinking in the past and referenced the arrest during a performance in Chicago, calling it a “tough week.”
