Justin Timberlake Admits Drunk Driving: "Don't Drive Even If You Had One Drink"

Caught in police DUI checkpoint last June
Initially claimed innocence after being charged, then reversed stance

In June, American pop star Justin Timberlake (43) was caught in a DUI checkpoint by U.S. police and has admitted to the charge of driving while impaired.

On the 13th (local time), media outlets including The New York Times (NYT) reported that Timberlake was fined $500 (approximately 650,000 KRW) and ordered to complete 25 hours of community service for driving while impaired. He also received a 90-day suspension of his New York State driver's license.

On the 13th (local time), Justin Timberlake is being interviewed by the press in front of the Sag Harbor Village Court in New York, USA.
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

Timberlake was arrested and then released after being caught in a DUI checkpoint while driving his BMW through the Hampton streets of Long Island, a luxury resort and villa area, in June. At the time of his arrest, he told police he had consumed one martini cocktail, and he had continued to claim innocence even after being charged with DUI. However, the police stated in the complaint that "(Timberlake's) eyes were bloodshot and unfocused, and there was a strong smell of alcohol on his breath," adding that "his speech was slow and his gait was unsteady." The NYT reported that "Timberlake's defense attorney initially challenged the filing method of the documents to dismiss the case, but the prosecution refiled the documents and proceeded with the indictment."

Initially, Timberlake was charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), a more severe charge applied when blood alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher, but he later changed his stance and pleaded guilty, resulting in a reduced charge. On the 13th, he appeared at the Sag Harbor Village Court in eastern Long Island, New York, for the arraignment to enter his plea. Speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, Timberlake said, "I made a mistake, but I hope you all learn from this mistake," emphasizing, "If you have had even one drink, never get behind the wheel."

Timberlake is an artist active as a singer, producer, and actor. He was a member of the boy idol group 'NSYNC' and later launched a successful solo career with multiple hit songs. His representative tracks include "CAN'T STOP THE FEELING," "SexyBack," and "Suit & Tie."