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International pop sensation Justin Timberlake found himself on the less glamorous side of the headlines when Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace ruled the suspension of his driving privileges in New York during the latest legal proceedings emerging from a June DWI arrest. The 43-year-old entertainer attended the court session virtually from Antwerp, Belgium, on August 2, adhering to a not-guilty plea for the leveled misdemeanor charge.
Wearing a sober black collared shirt, Timberlake responded in the affirmative when questioned by Justice Irace. While the specific duration of the license revocation remains undisclosed, Edward Burke Jr., the singer's attorney, remarked that such suspensions follow protocol in DUI cases. However, the legal counsel's comments in the media have irked the judge, who underscored the importance of maintaining integrity before the law and hinted at enforcing a gag order if unnecessary public discourse persists. Burke, on his part, has receded from his initial motion to dismiss the case entirely, signaling a strategic pivot in Timberlake's defense.
The court has set August 9 for a follow-up hearing, which might set the tone for the subsequent proceedings penciled in for September 13. The stakes are high for Timberlake, who risks being compelled to return stateside from his 'Forget Tomorrow World Tour' should the need arise for an in-person court appearance.
At the center of the contention is an incident on June 18, when Timberlake allegedly drove under the influence, evidenced by his failure to adhere to traffic signs and maintain his lane. Upon arrest, the 'Mirrors' singer received one count of DWI and two additional citations related to the traffic violations. The Sag Harbor Police suggested that the artist, who piloted a 2025 BMW, presented signs of intoxication, which Timberlake and his legal team vehemently refute.
Burke, ahead of the legal entanglements, has been candid in articulating Timberlake's stance, emphasizing his sobriety at the time of the arrest and declaring confidence that the charge will be dropped. Tapping into character testimony, Burke lauded Timberlake's utmost respect for law enforcement and judicial processes and firmly maintained that the authorities had erred in his client's arrest.
The outcome of the upcoming hearings could significantly impact Timberlake's current international tour and projects. Fans and the legal community alike keep a close watch as the case unfolds, carrying implications for both celebrity justice and DUI enforcement protocols.