Justin Timberlake has now publicly admitted to drunk driving. In a new video outside the Sag Harbor Police Department on Friday (September 13), the ‘SexyBack’ singer urged people not to follow his example. This comes after Timberlake pleaded guilty to a DWI charge, According to The Associated Press.
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As previously reported, Sag Harbor police arrested Timberlake on June 18 in his New York City home. The arrest report noted that Justin had glassy eyes and alcohol on his breath. He also refused a field sobriety test. Police charged him with one count of driving under the influence and cited him for running a stop sign and failure to maintain lane.
Update on Justin Timberlake’s DWI case and a summary of his safety message
After initially pleading not guilty, Timberlake reversed course and pleaded guilty to drunken driving earlier this month. The consequences of the traffic violation were revealed on Friday. According to the AP, his sentence includes a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge and 25 hours of community service with a nonprofit. Additionally, Justin’s driver’s license will remain suspended for 90 days. A judge in Sag Harbor previously suspended singer’s driving rights in early August.
The fines and community service mentioned are just two aspects of the plea deal Justin Timberlake reached with prosecutors. He was also required to deliver a public safety message on Friday.
“I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I had time to think about it. And I also understand that… I have a platform, you have a platform, we share that platform. And so what I want to say to everyone watching, even if you’ve had a drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There are so many alternatives,” Justin said before running through a list of options that ranged from calling a friend to using a ride-sharing company.
Furthermore, Justin said he made a “mistake,” but hopes that viewers can learn from it. “I know for sure I have,” Timberlake added. He also shared his gratitude for the people and officials of Sag Harbor and the opportunity to “move forward.”
Before his public statement, he told Judge Carl Irace that he “should have used better judgment” and that he understood the “seriousness” of his actions. Judge Irace ultimately added 25 hours of community service after expressing frustration with the plea deal offered by prosecutors and the appropriateness of his public statement, according to the AP.
Meanwhile, Timberlake’s attorney, Edward Burke Jr., continued to insist to reporters that Justin only had one drink during the two-hour dinner at the American Hotel.
“Contrary to what has been reported, he did not drink someone else’s drink or be warned not to drive,” Burke said after the hearing.
It’s unclear at this time where Justin Timberlake plans to perform his community service, but he has the choice.
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What do your roommates think?
