Entertainer Justin Timberlake pleads not guilty to DWI charge as judge suspends his NYS driving privileges

A Sag Harbor judge on Friday suspended the New York driving privileges of entertainer Justin Timberlake following his arrest on a DWI charge in June, as the singer appeared virtually from Europe and pleaded not guilty to the charge. 

Sag Harbor Village Justice Carl Irace also admonished Timberlake's attorney, Edward Burke Jr., for what the judge called "irresponsible" comments to the media outside the courtroom after the last hearing, and threatened to impose a gag order.

Burke's comments "come off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins," the judge said.

Burke said he doubted the judge will issue a gag order. "We all have jobs to do and we’re obligated to zealously defend our clients, and that’s what I plan on doing," Burke told reporters outside the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court.

Timberlake, 43, wearing a black-collared shirt, appeared via video conference from Europe, where he is touring.

The pop star, of Franklin, Tennessee, was driving a gray 2025 BMW with Florida plates south on Madison Street at 12:17 a.m. June 18 when he allegedly failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection with Jermain Avenue, according to Sag Harbor Village police. He also failed to keep right, police said.

On Friday, Timberlake pleaded not guilty to one count of driving while under the influence.

Timberlake spoke very little in court during the half-hour hearing, leaving his attorney to interact with the judge. Burke said outside of court that the suspension of Timberlake's driving privileges was routine — it happens in most cases while they are still being heard.

Irace said the pop star won't be required to appear in person for the next court conference  Aug. 9, but he might have to for one in September — especially if Burke continues to speak inappropriately to the media.

During his arrest, Timberlake's eyes were bloodshot and glassy, he had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath, exhibited slowed speech and was unsteady on his feet, police said in court papers. The police report noted Timberlake "performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests." He did not consent to a breath test.

His attorney has maintained that Timberlake, who told police he had one martini, was not drunk and the case should be dropped.

"The facts remain he was not intoxicated," Burke said, adding Timberlake respects police and the judicial process. "I’ll say it again: Justin Timberlake was not intoxicated and we’re very confident that charge, that criminal charge, will be dismissed."

His court case was delayed after Burke said the original charging document lacked a sergeant’s signature and should be thrown out.

Assistant District Attorney Ashley Cangro had said new charging documents were filed July 2 that should address that flaw. The issue, she said at the time, "does not rest on the facts and the circumstances of the case."

Burke said police made other errors, although he did not elaborate on those alleged missteps.

Friday's proceeding was essentially a re-arraignment after the issues with the original one were resolved. Burke called it largely a "procedural" hearing.

Irace had said he was reluctant to allow a litigant to appear virtually, but ultimately agreed to the request. He stressed that the online court appearance would be "just as real" as an in-person proceeding and said the link would not be made public. Those who wish to view would have to attend the village court and watch on a screen.