Pop superstar Justin Timberlake has reached a plea deal in his drunk driving case in Sag Harbor, allowing him to avoid a DUI conviction. According to reports, including from TMZ, the 43-year-old singer will now face a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI) following his arrest in June.
Timberlake was pulled over by local authorities in Sag Harbor after swerving and running a stop sign. Officers on the scene noted that the singer smelled strongly of alcohol and had bloodshot eyes, raising concerns about his sobriety. Despite repeated requests from law enforcement, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test three times, which could have complicated his legal situation.
However, as part of the plea deal, Timberlake will not face formal DUI charges. Instead, he will be charged with DWAI, a lesser offense in New York. At a hearing scheduled for Friday, a judge is expected to issue Timberlake a fine ranging between $300 and $500, in addition to other possible penalties such as required attendance at a traffic safety course.
The plea deal allows Timberlake to move forward without facing the more severe consequences of a DUI conviction, which could have included jail time or a suspended license. Legal experts point out that by refusing the breathalyzer test, Timberlake put himself at risk of harsher punishment, but his legal team successfully negotiated a reduced charge.
The incident marks a rare public misstep for the typically private Timberlake, who has remained largely out of the spotlight in recent months. The singer and actor, best known for hits like “Cry Me a River” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!,” has not commented publicly on the case. Timberlake’s fans, however, have expressed both concern and relief on social media as news of the plea deal emerged.
While the case has drawn media attention due to Timberlake’s high profile, sources close to the singer indicate that he is eager to resolve the legal matter quickly and put the incident behind him. Timberlake’s legal troubles come at a time when he has been focusing on family life and selective career projects, including a potential return to music.
The plea deal ensures that Timberlake will not face a criminal record for DUI, although the DWAI conviction could still have some impact on his driving privileges. Regardless, the resolution of the case will likely allow the pop star to avoid further public scrutiny over the incident.
