Justin Timberlake’s legal team has firmly stated that the pop star was sober at the time of his recent DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York. This assertion was made following a court hearing on Friday, where Timberlake’s attorney, Ed Burke, emphasized the singer’s innocence regarding the charges against him.
“The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI,” Burke declared in a statement to Rolling Stone. He further criticized the police for what he described as significant errors made during the arrest. “Sometimes the police make mistakes, and this is just one of those instances,” he added.
Timberlake is scheduled for a re-arraignment on the misdemeanor charge next week. Burke expressed confidence that the charge would ultimately be dismissed, reiterating Timberlake’s respect for law enforcement and the judicial process. “Justin cooperated with the police officers at all times and treated them with the respect they deserve,” Burke stated.
The incident in question occurred on June 18, when Timberlake was pulled over for allegedly failing to stop at a stop sign in Sag Harbor. According to a court filing, he was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Following his arrest, Timberlake was released on his own recognizance.
During the traffic stop, Timberlake reportedly admitted to having consumed one martini and stated that he had followed his friends home. However, the police report indicated that officers observed him driving through a stop sign and failing to maintain his lane. The report described Timberlake as having bloodshot and glassy eyes, a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, and difficulty performing standardized field sobriety tests.
Burke has been vocal about his intention to defend Timberlake against these allegations. He previously told TMZ, “We look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake against these allegations. He will have a lot to say at the appropriate time.”
Timberlake, who is currently on a North American tour promoting his latest album, briefly addressed the situation during a concert in Chicago shortly after the incident. He acknowledged the challenges of the past week, expressing gratitude to his fans for their support. “It’s been a tough week, but you’re here, and I’m here,” he told the audience, adding, “I know I’m hard to love sometimes, but you keep loving me right back.”
The legal proceedings surrounding Timberlake’s arrest have drawn significant media attention. Burke has argued that the original charging document should be dismissed due to a lack of proper signatures from police officials. Timberlake was not present at the recent court hearing, as he is currently on tour in Poland, but he is expected to attend the next hearing virtually.
The arrest has raised questions about the circumstances leading to Timberlake’s apprehension. According to the police report, an officer observed Timberlake’s vehicle weaving out of its lane and failing to stop at a stop sign. Upon pulling him over, the officer noted signs of intoxication, including bloodshot eyes and a strong smell of alcohol. Timberlake allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and refused to take a Breathalyzer test multiple times.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Timberlake’s legal team remains optimistic about the outcome of the case. Burke has stated that they are awaiting full discovery from the District Attorney’s office and are prepared to mount a vigorous defense.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Timberlake’s wife, Jessica Biel, has been seen returning to work, filming her upcoming series “The Better Sister” in New York City. The couple has not publicly commented on the incident beyond the statements made by Timberlake’s attorney.
The arrest has occurred during a pivotal time in Timberlake’s career, as he embarks on his first world tour in nearly six years. The pop star is set to perform at Madison Square Garden in New York City in the coming days, and fans are eager to see how he addresses the situation in his performances.
The incident has sparked discussions about celebrity accountability and the role of law enforcement in such cases. As the legal process continues, many are watching closely to see how Timberlake’s case will unfold and what implications it may have for his career moving forward.
In conclusion, Justin Timberlake’s legal team is adamant that he was not intoxicated at the time of his DWI arrest. With a court date approaching, the singer’s defense is focused on challenging the validity of the charges against him. As Timberlake continues his tour, the outcome of this case remains a topic of interest for fans and the media alike.
Source: Rolling Stone, Variety, CNN
