Justin Timberlake, the famous singer and actor, issued a strong public reminder about the dangers of drinking and driving after pleading guilty to impaired driving in New York’s Hamptons. Timberlake’s plea followed his arrest earlier in the year, and his message emphasized that even one alcoholic drink can impair judgment enough to make driving unsafe.
The public statement, delivered outside the Sag Harbor Police Department, was part of the terms of a plea deal that reduced Timberlake’s original misdemeanor charge to a non-criminal traffic violation. In addition to his public message, Timberlake was fined $500, with an additional $260 surcharge, and ordered to complete 25 hours of community service. His driver’s license was also suspended for 90 days.
“I strive to hold myself to a high standard, and this was a lapse,” Timberlake told the crowd of reporters and spectators outside the Sag Harbor Village Court after his hearing. He went on to urge others to avoid making the same mistake. “Even after just one drink, it’s important not to get behind the wheel. There are so many other options—call a friend, use an app, take a taxi or Uber. This was a mistake I made, and I hope others can learn from it. I certainly have.”
Timberlake made similar statements inside the courtroom, expressing his understanding of the impact his actions had on the close-knit community of Sag Harbor, a historic village nestled in the Hamptons, about 100 miles from New York City. The village, referenced in Herman Melville’s famous novel Moby-Dick, has long been a serene and respected seaside community.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on June 18, when Timberlake was stopped by police for running a stop sign and veering out of his lane. When he stepped out of his BMW, officers reported that he smelled of alcohol. Timberlake, 43, who hails from Tennessee, admitted to the officers that he had consumed a single martini earlier in the evening and was driving back after meeting friends.
Initially, Timberlake pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated. However, during the hearing, he acknowledged the gravity of his actions and expressed his gratitude for the chance to move forward. “I’ve had time to reflect, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to learn from this. I hope that by sharing my experience, I can help others make better choices.”
He added, “I should have used better judgment, and I understand how serious this situation is.”
Judge Carl Irace, who presided over the case, agreed to reduce Timberlake’s charge, citing his status as a first-time offender and commending his sincerity. However, Irace was hesitant to fully approve of the proposed sentence, especially Timberlake’s plan to make a public safety statement as part of the agreement. “I find that insufficient,” Irace remarked, adding that community service would be a more meaningful consequence, giving Timberlake time to reflect on his actions. “In my experience, community service can be both helpful and rewarding for the accused,” the judge said.
The prosecutor, Patrick O’Connell, explained that the decision to have Timberlake make a public statement was aimed at leveraging the star’s influence to reach a younger generation, stressing that even high-profile figures are not exempt from the law. “No one is above the law,” O’Connell said. “Mr. Timberlake has been treated like any other defendant in this case.”
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that justice should be applied equally to everyone, regardless of fame or fortune.
One of the most poignant moments of the courtroom proceedings came from the presence of Alisa McMorris, a local mother whose 12-year-old son, Andrew, was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 2018. McMorris, now an advocate for road safety, runs a foundation in her son’s memory. She hoped Timberlake’s public message would resonate with people and raise awareness about the serious dangers of driving under the influence.
“Justin has such a powerful platform, especially with younger audiences,” McMorris said after the hearing. “He spoke about making a plan, which is something I always tell kids: ‘How are we getting home?’ I hope his words will prevent another family from going through what we did.”
Edward Burke Jr., Timberlake’s attorney, defended his client outside the courthouse, clarifying that Timberlake had only consumed one drink at the American Hotel before his arrest and had not been warned against driving. He emphasized that the reduced charge was appropriate, given the facts of the case.
During the hearing, Timberlake assured Judge Irace that he would never drive under the influence again. The judge, who had otherwise maintained a serious demeanor, ended the hearing on a lighter note, jokingly telling Timberlake, “Just make sure to come back to Sag Harbor. It’s a wonderful place.”
