Justin Timberlake Reaches Plea Deal in New York DWI Case, Avoids Drunk Driving Charges

Justin Timberlake has reached a plea agreement in his New York DWI case, allowing him to avoid formal drunk driving charges. Instead, the 43-year-old pop star will face a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), which is classified as a traffic violation.

According to reports, Timberlake agreed to the plea deal on Tuesday. Under the terms of the agreement, he will be fined between $300 and $500, with the exact amount to be determined by a judge. The deal is expected to be finalized on Friday at Sag Harbor Village Justice Court, where Timberlake is scheduled to appear for a hearing that will officially close his DWI case.

The case originated from an incident in June when Timberlake was arrested in Sag Harbor after allegedly running a stop sign near the upscale American Hotel. At the time of the arrest, Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test, claiming he had only consumed “one martini” while out with friends, according to the Associated Press.

Despite his claim, police reported that Timberlake failed several field sobriety tests, showing signs of intoxication such as poor balance and difficulty following instructions. Following his arrest, Timberlake’s driver’s license was suspended, a standard procedure in New York for refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test. In such cases, the refusal typically leads to a one-year suspension of driving privileges.

Throughout the case, Timberlake and his attorney, Edward Burke Jr., have denied that he was intoxicated at the time of his arrest. When asked about the plea deal, Burke’s office declined to provide further comment.

While Timberlake continues to maintain that he was not intoxicated, the plea deal ensures he will face consequences for the traffic violation rather than the more serious charge of driving under the influence.