Justin Timberlake was arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) after a night out this week. The 43-year-old entertainer was taken into custody on Monday (June 17) in Sag Harbor, New York, facing a DUI-related charge.
The Arrest Details
Reports reveal that Justin met friends for dinner at a hotel in Sag Harbor on Monday night. Around 12:30 AM, he got into his car to drive back to his residence, only to be pulled over shortly after starting his drive. Sources mentioned that while it was initially a traffic violation, the police determined it was serious enough to take him into custody.
Page Six confirmed that the arrest was indeed for a DUI. The police are expected to provide more details later today, and Justin is scheduled to appear in court soon.
Court Appearance and Charges
After his court appearance, Justin was released without bail. His lawyer, Ed Burke, Jr., provided some insights, stating, “The charge was a single count because he refused the breath test. Mr. Timberlake was also charged with two other court citations, running a stop sign and not traveling in the correct traffic lane.”
According to Page Six, Justin did take a field sobriety test. Interestingly, the officer who pulled him over was reportedly so young that he didn’t recognize the pop star.
Justin is required to appear in court again on July 26 to address these charges.
Official Police Statement
The Sag Harbor Police Department issued an official statement detailing the incident. “On June 18, 2024, at 12:37 AM, Justin R. Timberlake, age 43, of Tennessee, was observed operating a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane of travel. A traffic stop was initiated by a Police Officer from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department and upon investigation it was determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition,” the statement read.
The statement continued, “Mr. Timberlake was placed under arrest, processed, and held overnight for morning arraignment. Mr. Timberlake was arraigned at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on June 18, 2024, at 9:30 AM where he was released on his own recognizance.”
Justin’s Own Words
According to CNN’s Elizabeth Wagmeister, Justin told the police during the traffic stop, “I had one martini and I followed my friends home.” However, court documents paint a different picture of his condition at the time of the arrest.
Court Documents and Field Sobriety Test
Court documents describe Justin’s eyes as “bloodshot and glassy” and note a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath.” During the field sobriety test, Justin reportedly “performed poorly,” displaying slowed speech and unsteady footing. The documents state that he failed all standardized field sobriety tests.
Refusal of Breath Test
In a notable decision, Justin refused the breathalyzer test three separate times, according to the court documents.
Lawyer’s Statement
Justin’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., released an additional statement expressing confidence in his defense. “[We] look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake against these allegations. He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time. He is currently awaiting full discovery from the DA’s office,” Burke said.
Despite the legal troubles, Justin is currently on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour. This coming weekend, he has two shows scheduled in Chicago, Illinois. The tour is expected to continue as planned, with fans eagerly anticipating his performances.
