Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to lesser charge in Sag Harbor DWI case

Justin Timberlake appeared in Sag Harbor Village court on Friday to take a plea deal in connection with his DWI case.

He arrived at his lawyer's office ahead of his court appearance and was then met by a mob of media and fans outside court.

Timberlake, 43, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired. He was sentenced to a $500 fine with a $260 surcharge and agreed to make a public safety announcement about the dangers of drinking and driving.

But Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace also wants Timberlake to perform community service, between 25 and 40 hours, which he has a year to complete. Timberlake can choose the organization where he performs the community service.

Timberlake addressed the media after the court hearing and urged the public not to drink and drive.

"Even if you've had one drink, don't get behind the wheel of a car. There are so many alternatives," Timberlake said. "This was a mistake that I made but I hope anybody listening or watching can learn from this mistake."

Timberlake expressed remorse for his actions.

WATCH | Full comments from Justin Timberlake after court appearance:

Justin Timberlake speaks to the media after his Sag Harbor court appearance.

"I did not live up to the standards that I try to hold for myself," he said.

Timberlake said he is "grateful for the opportunity to move forward" and use his platform to hopefully help others make "better decisions."

"I should've had better judgment," he said to the judge. " I understand the seriousness of this."

The singer was leaving the American Hotel when he was stopped for running a stop sign and swerving into the oncoming lane back in June.

Surveillance video captured Justin Timberlake driving his car in Sag Harbor shortly before his arrest for a DWI.

The officer smelled booze on his breath, according to a police report. Timberlake told the officer he had had one martini and was following some friends home, according to police. He was arrested and spent the night in custody at a police station.

Defense attorney Ed Burke said Timberlake had one drink in the span of two hours at the American Hotel that June night.

"My client was not driving drunk," Burke said.

Timberlake was "polite, cooperative and respectful" with police, Burke said.

District Attorney Ray Tierney released the following statement:

"Today, Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his behavior, and for using his platform to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. As previously stated, Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant. Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status. Drunk and drugged driving is an extremely serious nationwide public safety issue. These drivers threaten the lives of random and innocent roadway users of every age, gender, ethnicity, and economic status. In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transit and ride-shares, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel when you are impaired in any way. My office remains committed to holding individuals accountable for driving while intoxicated or impaired by drugs, and we will continue to work towards ensuring the safety of our community."

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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