Timberlake was arrested shortly after midnight on June 18 after allegedly running a stop sign and swerving between lanes. He had been drinking with friends at a popular bar earlier in the evening.
The former *NSYNC member later claimed he had only one martini, a sentiment dittoed by his lawyer, Edward Burke Jr.
Burke claimed Timberlake was “not intoxicated” at the time of his arrest and that “police made a number of very significant errors in this case.”
“Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives — call a friend, take an Uber, there’s many travel apps, take a taxi,” Timberlake said in front of a crowd of reporters gathered outside the Sag Harbor courthouse.
“This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have.”
Earlier Friday, the “Mirrors” crooner formally pleaded guilty to a traffic violation, driving while ability impaired (DWAI), which is not a criminal offense unlike his original driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge.
The main difference between a DWAI and DWI is the level of intoxication, according to legal experts.
A judge ordered Timberlake, 43, to pay a $500 fine, perform 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit and appear in a public service announcement on the dangers of drunk driving.
“Even one drink — don’t get behind the wheel of the car,” he said.
The pop star arrived at the courthouse early in the morning wearing brown trousers, a black T-shirt and a matching cardigan.
During the hearing, Timberlake said he had a lot of “time to reflect” following his June arrest. He told the judge that he was filled with “disappointment” in himself and knows he “did not live up to the standard” he holds himself to, per People.
“I found myself in a position where I should’ve taken a moment,” he said in the courtroom. “I understand and appreciate the seriousness of this.”
The hitmaker also took “a moment to show gratitude to everybody involved” and apologized for putting a “strain” on the small town in the Hamptons.
Timberlake admitted he made a “mistake” and encouraged others to “learn” from the situation.
