Justin Timberlake looks tense as he’s banned from driving in New York and pleads not guilty during DWI court hearing

JUSTIN Timberlake looked tense in his virtual appearance to court on Friday, where he was banned from driving in New York after his arrest for a DWI in June.

The singer pleaded not guilty to his misdemeanor charge via video at the hearing on Long Island in New York. He’s currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

AP:Associated Press

AP

EPA

The Mega Agency

Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace suspended Justin’s permission to drive in Friday’s hearing after last week’s arraignment was rescheduled due to a paperwork issue.

Irace also slammed Justin’s attorney, Ed Burke Jr., for his comments outside of court and threatened him with a gag order.

“It comes off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins,” the judge said.

Burke, who has now withdrawn his previous motion to dismiss the case, told The U.S. Sun last Friday that the arrest should’ve never happened in the first place.

“The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI,” Burke said.

“The police made a number of very significant errors in this case.”

Burke dished that Justin “cooperated with the police officers at all times and treated them with the respect they deserve” during the arrest.

“He also respects the entire judicial process including the District Attorney and Judge who were in court today,” he added.

“But the fact remains, he was not intoxicated and they made an error in arresting him for it.

“We are confident that this charge will be dismissed,” Burke concluded.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office fired back a response to Justin’s defense, saying that the clerical error didn’t affect the hearing.

“Following the arrest of Justin Timberlake, the District Attorney’s Office located a ministerial error in the original accusatory instrument,” the statement began.

It comes off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins.”

Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace

“Thereafter, on July 2, 2024, an amended accusatory instrument was filed correcting that error.

“The facts and circumstance of the case have not been changed or amended,” the DA’s office claimed.

PR expert on the impact on JT's image

Justin Timberlake's arrest earlier this year will have lasting effects on his tour sales and marriage, said a public relations expert.

The pop star made headlines in June for a shocking DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York.

On June 17, Timberlake, 43, was stopped twice by a police officer who warned him to stay off the road before arresting him moments later.

He was allegedly seen swerving and driving through a stop sign before being pulled over and asked to perform several field sobriety tests.

According to court documents, Timberlake performed the tests “poorly” and declined to blow into a breathalyzer.

Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants, told The U.S. Sun that Timberlake’s arrest would have major repercussions on his reputation.

“It’s a bloodbath to Justin’s credibility,” said Schiffer, adding it could damage brand deals and fan respect.

Schiffer believes the arrest’s damage could last six months to a year, but Timberlake could manage it with the right resolution and commentary.

However, Schiffer noted that out-of-touch celebrities who think they’re above the law upset fans, especially since Timberlake’s access to money and counsel may help him navigate the situation.

The statement concluded, “We stand ready to litigate the underlying facts of this case in court, rather than in the press.”

The next court hearing in the case is a lawyer conference scheduled for next Friday.

Justin, who has shows in Antwerp, Belgium , this weekend, was arrested just after midnight on June 18 while driving in the Hamptons.

Cops spotted him swerving and driving through a stop sign before he was pulled over.

Trial attorney's expert opinion on Justin Timberlake's DWI charge

Tray Gober, a managing partner at the Austin, Texas-based firm Lee, Gober & Reyna spoke to The U.S. Sun about potential arguments Justin Timberlake can use to clear his DWI charge.

As a trial attorney with extensive experience in car collision cases involving DWI, and a survivor of a crash caused by a drunken driver, I have a unique perspective on Justin Timberlake’s upcoming arraignment for a DWI charge in Long Island, New York. Here are eight key points to consider:

1. Nature of DWI Charges : Defending against a DWI charge can be less daunting compared to other criminal charges such as murder or robbery. Jurors often exhibit more leniency and are more likely to entertain reasonable doubt in DWI cases. This is largely because they can personally relate to the scenario of having consumed alcohol before driving, which can humanize the defendant in their eyes.
2. Incident Context : In Timberlake’s case, the incident did not involve a severe accident or harm to others. He was reportedly driving relatively well, aside from a minor traffic violation. This context is crucial as it paints a picture of a situation that, while legally problematic, did not result in significant harm or damage, potentially making jurors more sympathetic.
3. Defense Strategy : Timberlake has secured a highly competent defense attorney who has already lined up a strong witness – Timberlake’s friend. This friend is prepared to testify that they consumed the same amount of alcohol and managed to drive home safely. Such testimony can be pivotal in casting doubt on the prosecution’s case by suggesting that Timberlake’s level of impairment was not significant.
4. Police Discretion : The fact that the police deemed Timberlake’s friend fit to drive after consuming the same amount of alcohol as Timberlake is a strong point for the defense. This implies that the officers on the scene did not perceive a high level of danger from the amount of alcohol consumed, which can bolster the argument that Timberlake was not significantly impaired.
5. Prosecutorial Considerations : Prosecutors are aware that Timberlake is not likely to easily accept a plea deal. They will need to prepare for a trial, knowing that even a conviction could lead to an appeal. This knowledge might influence their decision on whether to pursue the case aggressively or consider dismissal, especially if the defense presents a compelling argument for reasonable doubt.
6. Public Perception and Jury Bias : Timberlake’s celebrity status could play a dual role. While it may garner public and media attention, which could pressure both sides, it also means jurors might be influenced by his public persona. Defense strategies often leverage the positive public image of a celebrity to sway jury opinion towards leniency.
7. Legal Precedents and Outcomes : Historically, DWI cases involving celebrities have had mixed outcomes, often influenced by public opinion, the quality of the defense, and specific case details. Timberlake’s case will likely be scrutinized for any precedents it might set, particularly in how celebrity status intersects with justice.
8. Long-term Implications : Beyond the immediate legal battle, the outcome of Timberlake’s case could have broader implications for his career and public image. A dismissal or acquittal could reinforce his responsible image, while a conviction, even with minimal penalties, might tarnish his reputation. The defense will undoubtedly consider these factors in their legal strategy.

In conclusion, Justin Timberlake’s DWI charge presents a complex legal scenario where the defense has several avenues to establish reasonable doubt. The combination of a minor traffic violation, credible witness testimony, and strategic legal maneuvering could significantly influence the case’s outcome. As always, the nuances of the legal process and the unpredictability of jury decisions mean that all involved parties must prepare meticulously for any eventuality.

In video footage first obtained by TMZ , Justin was seen driving his grey 2025 BMW UT, which matched the police ‘s description in their report.

Officers at the scene said the singer told them he had one martini at the American Hotel and was following a friend home.

The star’s mugshot showed him slightly smiling with bloodshot and glassy eyes.

He was released after a short hearing at the village courthouse that morning, the Suffolk County district attorney’s office told The U.S. Sun at the time.

AP:Associated Press

AP:Associated Press

Justin’s wife, actress Jessica Biel , showed her support following the arrest by attending his first concert after the incident at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

FORMER BANDMATE SPEAKS OUT

*NSYNC founder Chris Kirkpatrick also showed support for his former bandmate following the arrest, but said in an interview with The U.S. Sun that he wouldn’t want JT’s life .

“I’m not walking around like Justin Timberlake,” Chris said.

“He’s been doing it all these years. He’s never gotten a break, a chance to be normal.”

“The way he handles everything is amazing though,” he continued.

“He’s still my little brother and he knows that when things are tough or whatever, he can come to me and talk to me because he knows that I’m not kissing his ass because he’s Justin Timberlake.”

Getty

Getty