Justin Timberlake attended his DWI court hearing via video call on Friday. Getty Images
Justin Timberlake's legal troubles took a new turn during his recent arraignment for driving while intoxicated (DWI) case. The singer, currently on a world tour, appeared via video from Antwerp, Belgium, for the hearing in Sag Harbor, New York, where he faced charges related to a June incident.
At the August 2 hearing, Timberlake pleaded not guilty to a revised misdemeanour DWI charge. His attorney, Edward Burke Jr., had previously sought to dismiss the case but withdrew that motion. Judge Carl Irace decided to suspend Timberlake’s driver's license pending the outcome of the case. This suspension could affect Timberlake’s ability to drive in other states due to the Interstate Driver's License Compact.
The judge criticized Burke for making “irresponsible” statements to the media, which Irace felt could prejudice the case. Burke had previously told the press that Timberlake was not intoxicated. Irace even threatened to impose a gag order, although it has not yet been enforced.
The next court date is set for August 9, but Timberlake is not required to attend in person. A more critical hearing is scheduled for September 13, which might require Timberlake's physical presence depending on the case’s progress.
Following the August 2 hearing, Burke reiterated that Timberlake maintains his innocence, insisting that his client was not intoxicated during the arrest. Burke also expressed confidence that the judge would not impose a gag order, highlighting his commitment to defending Timberlake vigorously.
In New York, a conviction for a misdemeanour DWI can result in up to a year in jail and fines between $500 and $1,000. However, for a first offence without severe circumstances, jail time is uncommon. In addition to the criminal case, Timberlake faces a separate hearing with the Department of Motor Vehicles due to his refusal to take a breathalyzer test. In New York, refusing chemical testing during a DWI stop results in an automatic license revocation for at least one year, regardless of the criminal case’s outcome.
The DWI charge stems from an incident on June 18 when Timberlake was pulled over by a Sag Harbor police officer. The officer reported that Timberlake’s driving was erratic, and he had "bloodshot and glassy" eyes with a noticeable odour of alcohol. Timberlake admitted to having "one martini" but failed a field sobriety test and refused the breathalyzer. He was detained until his arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty and was released without bail.
A previous hearing on July 26 saw Timberlake’s attorney challenge the case on procedural grounds, claiming the arresting officer’s supervisor had not signed off on the criminal complaint. This issue has been addressed, and Timberlake was re-arraigned under a revised complaint. Burke’s statement to the press claiming Timberlake’s sobriety was met with skepticism from the Suffolk County district attorney’s office, which stated its readiness to handle the case in court rather than the media.
Timberlake’s absence from recent court hearings is due to his ongoing “Forget Tomorrow World Tour” in Europe. If required to appear in person on September 13, it will fall between his tour dates in France and New Jersey.
