Justin Timberlake Speaks Out After Pleading Guilty To Lesser Charge In DWI Case

Justin Timberlake is speaking out after a major step in his legal saga. The music superstar appeared in a Sag Harbor courtroom on Long Island, N.Y. on Sept. 13 and pleaded guilty to a non-criminal traffic violation of driving while impaired, a lesser charge following his arrest on suspicion of DWI back in June. He was required to make a public safety announcement and pay a minimal fine in addition to completing 25 to 40 hours of community service, which he has a year to finish. Timberlake addressed reporters outside the courtroom and acknowledged the dangers of drinking and driving while sharing his thoughts on the incident. “I try to hold myself to a very high standard myself, and this was not that,” he said, adding, “I found myself in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I’ve had some time to reflect on that.” The judge in Timberlake’s case was reportedly unhappy when the original agreement between prosecutors and the defense did not include community service. According to NBC News, Timberlake told the judge he “was willing” to volunteer his time to a non-profit of his choosing. In his later remarks, he thanked the Sag Harbor law enforcement and justice system and pledged to do his part to contribute to public safety.