Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty to an impaired driving traffic violation Friday, concluding his DWI case from June.
A judge ordered the pop star, 43, to pay a $500 fine, perform 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit and appear in a public service announcement on the dangers of drunk driving, according to ABC News.
During the proceedings, Timberlake said he regretted what transpired because he “did not live up to the standards” that he holds for himself, per the Associated Press, adding, “I should’ve had better judgment.”
He then apologized outside of the courthouse calling the ordeal a “mistake,” but said that he is “hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake.”
“Even one drink — don’t get behind the wheel of the car,” the “Bye, Bye, Bye” singer added.
Justin TImberlake pleaded guilty to a traffic violation in Sag Harbor Court Friday. Elder Ordonez/INSTARimages Timberlake, seen here outside of the Hamptons court Friday, copped to a traffic violation of driving while ability impaired, which is a lesser charge than a DWI. Elder Ordonez/INSTARimagesExplore More
Timberlake was photographed arriving at Sag Harbor Court in the Hamptons for his hearing.
He was dressed casually in a black shirt, matching sweater, brown slacks, pearl necklace and sunglasses.
The “Selfish” singer, who was accompanied by two men in suits, appeared calm and collected.
Earlier this week, Timberlake scored a plea deal that lowered his initial driving while intoxicating charge to the less serious driving while ability impaired (DWAI) charge.
Per legal experts, the main difference between a DWAI and DWI is the level of intoxication.
Timberlake’s attorney has argued for months that his famous client was not drunk when he was pulled over by police on June 18 after running a stop sign and allegedly swerving lanes.
Timberlake appeared to arrive in court Friday with two bodyguards. Gregory P. Mango Paparazzi and media were stationed outside of the courthouse for Friday’s hearing. Brigitte Stelzer for the NYPostEdward Burke Jr. told Page Six in July, “The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI.”
He also claimed at the time, “The police made a number of very significant errors in this case.”
Burke’s stance was further backed by a bartender who was working when Timberlake stopped by the American Hotel for a drink just before getting arrested.
The unnamed employee claimed in June that the “Mirrors” singer had only “one martini,” adding to People at the time, “If he was drinking more, it wasn’t here.”
Timberlake’s lawyer has maintained that his client was not drunk when he was pulled over on June 18. MEGA A bartender who served him the night of his arrest also claimed Timberlake only had “one martini.” MEGAHowever, Timberlake’s mugshot — which showed his eyes bloodshot and glassy — appeared to show he may have been under the influence of a substance while driving. He also refused a breathalyzer test.
Sources also exclusively told Page Six earlier this summer that the “Can’t Stop the Feeling” crooner has allegedly had a “drinking problem” for years.
“It’s not a secret. Everyone knows,” a music insider previously claimed. “He has a real drinking problem, a lot of weed — but a major alcohol problem, and he’s been hiding and masking it for years.”
However, a source close to Timberlake insisted to Page Six at the time that the “SexyBack” singer “has never been better.”
Timberlake’s mugshot, seen here, showed him with bloodshot and glassy eyes. Sag Harbor PD via MEGA The Grammy winner has reportedly been ordered to do a PSA on the dangers of drunk driving. Amy Harris/Invision/APTimberlake has not yet issued a statement on his latest court ruling. We reached out to his reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.
According to New York law, a person convicted for a DWAI for the first time — such as Timberlake — faces a minor fine of $500 to $1000. He also could have gone to up to one year in jail.
The *NSYNC member’s license was also temporarily revoked in August, and it can remain suspended for up to six months. It’s unclear if the judge will uphold the suspension for the full term.
