Justin Timberlake To Fight DWI Allegations, Lawyer Vows 'Vigorous' Defense

Justin Timberlake is preparing for a major legal battle after being arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DWI) in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The singer allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test three times when an officer pulled him over and now faces up to a year in jail if convicted.

Justin Timberlake's attorney, Edwin Burke Jr., has stated that he would "vigorously" defend him against the allegations as he is set to appear in court on July 26.

The 43-year-old singer, known for his iconic roles in films like "The Social Network" and "Trolls," has vowed to "vigorously" defend himself against the allegations, according to his attorney, Edwin Burke Jr.

Speaking on behalf of the singer, Burke noted that he'll be fighting the charges as he's scheduled to virtually appear for a Sag Harbor court hearing next month.

"I look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake on these allegations," Burke told Deadline in a statement. "I will have a lot to say at the appropriate time but am currently awaiting full discovery from the District Attorney's office."

Timberlake is scheduled for a two-legged solo show on Tuesday, June 25, and Wednesday, June 26, in Madison Square Garden, New York City. He'll also play two shows in Chicago later this week, on Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22.

The "Sexyback" singer faces up to a year in jail if found guilty of the DWI charges leveled against him. However, he's unlikely to secure such a heavy penalty.

According to the New York Post, Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Michael Brown said that Timberlake would seemingly be given a slap on the wrist for the charges, but that isn't because of his celebrity status.

Brown predicted that Burke would seemingly appeal for a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), which comes with a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail or a fine of up to $500.

"That's a violation as opposed to a crime," Brown said, adding that the charge comes with only a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail but noting, "It won't happen. What will happen is a fine of up to $500."

Brown also assured that Timberlake is in "good hands," as Burke is "a very good attorney, very well known, established with the DAs in Suffolk County."

"I don't think [the DA's Office] will make an example of him, nor will they be more lenient. I think the case will rise and fall on the merits of the case," he said.

However, he warned that the DA's office is known for being "fairly tough" in cases where people refuse to take a Breathalyzer test as Timberlake allegedly did.

It comes after the "Cry Me A River" hitmaker was arrested and charged with drinking while under the influence in the wee hours of Tuesday. Timberlake was pulled over in Sag Harbor, Long Island, after he ran through a stop sign and allegedly failed to stay on the right side of the road in his 2025 BMW.

He reportedly refused to take a breathalyzer test three times and also performed poorly on the officer's sobriety test, with the document adding that his eyes were "bloodshot and glassy" and a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath."

According to Deadline, Sag Harbor Village Police Chief Robert Drake released a statement on Tuesday following the singer's arrest.

"On June 18, 2024, at 12:37 AM, Justin R. Timberlake, age 43, of Tennessee, was observed operating a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street, failing to stop at a duly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane of travel," the statement read. "A traffic stop was initiated by a Police Officer from Sag Harbor Village Police Department and upon investigation it was determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated condition."

He continued, "Mr. Timberlake was placed under arrest, processed, and held overnight for morning arraignment. Mr. Timberlake was arraigned at the Sag Harbor Village Justice Court on June 18, 2024, at 9:30 AM where he was released on his own recognizance."

An eyewitness recounted how Timberlake, who was partying with Friends at the posh American Hotel in Sag Harbor, LI, was so wasted that he allegedly took someone's drink and downed it while at the Hamptons hotel.

The anonymous source shared that the "Palmer" actor took someone else's drink from the table and gulped it when the owner went to the bathroom and that he left the party heavily drunk.

"He was wasted. At one point, just before closing, somebody got up to go to the bathroom and left his drink on the table,'' the source explained, per New York Post.

"When [the man] came back, [Timberlake] was drinking his drink. The guy goes, 'Justin, that's my drink!'" the tipster added.