Lawyer claims Justin Timberlake was not intoxicated during drink-driving arrest and charges should be dropped
According to his lawyer, Justin Timberlake was not under the influence when arrested for drink-driving, as he aims to have the charge dismissed.
Lawyer Edward Burke has asserted that there were “errors” in the documentation submitted in Timberlake’s case.
Nevertheless, a local judge has instructed the 43-year-old singer to be re-arraigned on 2 August once the paperwork is corrected.
During his arrest on 18 June, authorities claimed Timberlake failed to obey a stop sign and maintain his lane while driving in Long Island, New York.
Court records indicated that his eyes appeared “bloodshot and glassy”.
Reports suggest the SexyBack singer had just finished dinner with friends before leaving a restaurant and being stopped by police.
Justice Carl Irace has allowed Timberlake, currently touring in Europe, to attend the court hearing virtually on 2 August.
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Timberlake’s car caught on CCTV
Timberlake was absent from Friday’s hearing, as his appearance had been waived beforehand.
Following the hearing, Mr Burke stated that the police had made “significant errors” in the case and anticipates the charge to be dropped.
“He was not intoxicated,” Mr Burke declared outside the court. “I want to reiterate that. Justin Timberlake was not intoxicated.”
The Suffolk County district attorney Ray Tierney’s office, responsible for prosecuting the case, referred to the paperwork issue as a “ministerial error” and reported that a revised charging document was submitted on 2 July.
“The details and circumstances of the case remain unchanged,” said spokesperson Emily O’Neil.
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Mr Burke hinted at other issues with the arrest documents but did not provide further information.
“At today’s court session, you heard the district attorney attempting to rectify one of those errors,” he explained. “Nevertheless, that’s just one issue among many.”
“Occasionally, mistakes are made by the police, and this is one of those instances,” he added.
In response, Ms O’Neil stated: “We are prepared to address the factual aspects of this case in court, rather than in the media.”
