Justin Timberlake pleads not guilty to DWI misdemeanor charge during his virtual court appearance

LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Justin Timberlake entered a not-guilty plea to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated in June during his virtual court appearance in Sag Harbor, New York, on Friday, August 2.

Additionally, Timberlake's driver's license and authorization to drive in New York were formally revoked by Justice Carl Irace, according to Fox News. The next court hearing is a lawyer conference scheduled for Friday, August 9.

When was Justin Timberlake arrested?

Justin Timberlake was taken into custody on June 18 at approximately 12.15 am in Sag Harbor, Long Island, New York.

After being stopped for failing to stop at a stop sign and losing control of his vehicle, he "performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests," according to court documents that Fox News was able to obtain.

He had "bloodshot and glossy eyes," was "unable to divide his attention" and had a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage ... emanating from his breath." He was "unsteady afoot" and exhibited "slow speech," the arresting officer wrote.

Justin Timberlake reportedly had one martini at the time of his arrest

The 'Prince of Pop' informed the arresting officer that he was going home with some peers after having one martini at The American Hotel. He declined to undergo a breathalyzer test after being brought to an East Hampton police station. 

The district attorney's office at the time verified to Fox News that Timberlake was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated and also received penalties for failing to maintain right and failing to stop at a stop sign.

Justin Timberlake's lawyer says singer's arrest had 'significant errors'

Last week, Justin Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Burke Jr, claimed the singer was "not intoxicated" and "should not have been arrested for DWI."

Burke stated that the police had committed "significant errors" in their investigation on the evening of June 18 after showing up for a court hearing on July 26.

"The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI," Burke said in a statement to Fox News that day.

"The police made a number of very significant errors in this case. In court today, you heard the district attorney try to fix one of those errors. But that’s just one, and there are many others. Sometimes the police make mistakes, and this is just one of those instances," the lawyer stated.

Burke emphasized that Timberlake "respects law enforcement" and fully understands the "important work" they do daily.

"He cooperated with the police officers at all times and treated them with the respect they deserve," Burke said in his statement. "He also respects the entire judicial process, including the District Attorney and Judge who were in court today."

"But the fact remains, he was not intoxicated, and they made an error in arresting him for it," he concluded. "We are confident that this charge will be dismissed."

Justin Timberlake thanks fans for their unwavering support

At his June 21 Chicago show, Justin Timberlake said, "It's been a tough week," but he didn't address his incarceration; instead, he elaborated on his gratitude.

"This [tour] is just something that keeps watching over me, more so on this tour than any other," the singer said, according to People. "And that's that mostly all of us here in this room tonight, in this arena tonight, have grown up together. So many of you come up to me and say, 'I grew up with you, man.'" 

"... I want each and every one of you to know I've grown up with you," he continued. "You have been such a big and beautiful part of my life, and sometimes I can't find the words to show my gratitude that you guys just keep riding with me and riding with me."

He also noted, according to the outlet, that whether someone was a fan from his *NSYNC days or his solo work, he appreciated their support, thanking them for being "here right now." "I just wanna say you guys keep loving me and coming back and spending and sharing this experience with me," he added.

"And from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that until I'm somewhere off this earth, I will never forget each and every one of you," Timberlake said. "You made my life so special. And tonight in Chicago, you have made us feel loved."

Internet reacts after Justin Timberlake pleads not guilty to DWI charges

Netizens gave their opinions after the popular musician decided to plead not guilty to his DWI charges during a court appearance in New York.

One X (formerly Twitter) user opined, "He should have pled guilty and taken his punishment. I thought he had more common sense than that."

Another advised, "Don’t drink and drive my friend."

"Drunk driving may not be a good choice, but you have to pay for your choices. Maybe he has a better choice," tweeted one.

Someone else remarked, "Sorry... he needs to get into a treatment program and be honest."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.