How drunk-driving caused Justin Timberlake his licence

In New York, Justin Timberlake's driver's license was suspended after he entered a not guilty plea to a charge of operating a vehicle while drunk. The pop sensation was taken into custody after failing to stay on the correct side of the road and running a stop sign. The 43-year-old Timberlake made a virtual appearance from his tour in Europe when he was formally charged in Sag Harbor, New York.

As is customary following a DWI arrest, Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace suspended Timberlake's driver's license for an indefinite amount of time. Timberlake's attorney has refuted claims that he was driving while intoxicated and believes the charges ought to be dropped.

Timberlake spoke twice during the virtual court session while donning a black collar shirt and responding "yes" to the judge's queries. He was making an appearance from Germany, where he is getting ready to perform this weekend in Antwerp, Belgium.

The 10-time Grammy winner was away from his initial court appearance. In order to formally charge him with the offense, the court had to schedule an additional hearing due to a problem with paperwork. 

A charging statement states that Timberlake had "bloodshot and glassy" eyes and that there was a "strong odour of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath" when the police pulled him over.

The police claimed that he did not submit to a breathalyzer test and did not do well on sobriety tests. "I followed my friends home and had one martini," Timberlake is reported to have said to the policeman who stopped him.

Judge Irace allegedly chastised defense attorney Edward Burke during Friday's hearing for his "irresponsible" remarks he made to reporters outside of court. 

Judge Irace was cited as stating, "It sounds like an attempt to sabotage the case before it even gets started." Mr. Burke informed reporters that there had been "a number of very significant errors" by the police. He declared, "The most crucial information to understand this case is that Justin was not drunk and shouldn't have been arrested for DWI." A driver's license suspension lasting at least six months, a $1,000 (£786) fine, and a year in jail are the consequences for driving while intoxicated in New York. Days later, Timberlake—who has previously been candid about his battles with binge drinking—made reference to the arrest during a Chicago show.