Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake attending the Dior Menswear Spring Summer 2023 photocall

Justin Timberlake's DWI Arrest Footage Withheld From Public Pending Investigation

Home / News / Justin Timberlake's DWI Arrest Footage Withheld From Public Pending Investigation

By Afouda Bamidele on June 21, 2024 at 12:15 PM EDT

Fans won't see what happened between cops and Justin Timberlake anytime soon because of an exception under the law.

The "Mirrors" hitmaker was recently arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer, complicating matters. However, the singer's attorney claims his client is innocent.

Justin Timberlake's DWI case has been making waves as it is unclear what transpired during his June 18 arrest.

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Authorities Refuse To Release Justin Timberlake's Body Cam Arrest Video

A close up portrait of Justin Timberlake at Vanity Fair Oscar Party 2024
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According to new reports, the Sag Harbor Police Department has refused all requests to release the body cam footage from Timberlake's arrest. They backed their rejection with a New York law about releasing public records.

Under the law, one reason for not releasing certain records is the possibility of depriving a person of a right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication. However, cops did not cite that in Timberlake's case but chose a surprising reason.

The rep for SHPD told TMZ they could not release the body cam footage because it interfered with an ongoing investigation. There are no further details as to what they are investigating about Timberlake's case or when it will be concluded.

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Timberlake Arrested On DWI Charges Early Tuesday Morning

Justin Timberlake gets back to work after the controversy of being photographed holding hands with his latest co-star.
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The "Cry Me A River" hitmaker was arrested and charged with drinking while intoxicated (DWI) in the early hours of Tuesday.

The Blast noted he was reportedly pulled over in Sag Harbor, Long Island after he ran a stop sign and failed to stay on the right side of the road in his 2025 BMW.

As stated, Timberlake allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test three times and also performed poorly on the officer's sobriety test.

A report about his arrest claimed the singer's eyes were "bloodshot and glassy" while a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage" emanated from his breath.

Following his arrest, Sag Harbor Village Police Chief Robert Drake released a statement, partly reading:

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"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."

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The Prince Of Pop's Lawyer Promises To Fight Back Against The Allegations

Justin Timberlake at the Los Angeles premiere of 'In Time' - Arrivals
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Timberlake, nicknamed the Prince of Pop, has a committed attorney in his corner. Edwin Burke Jr. vowed to fight against the DWI charges in a bold statement, saying: "I look forward to vigorously defending Mr. Timberlake on these allegations."

"I will have a lot to say at the appropriate time but am currently awaiting full discovery from the District Attorney's office," the attorney continued, noting Timberlake would appear virtually for Sag Harbor court hearing next month.

Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Michael Brown echoed similar sentiments about Timberlake's case, noting he was in good hands with Burke Jr. He described the singer's attorney as "a very good attorney, very well known, established with the DAs in Suffolk County."

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Timberlake May Escape With A Slap On The Wrist

Justin Timberlake is spotted in character as he continues filming new movie Palmer in New Orleans
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According to the Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer, Timberlake could escape the DWI drama without a heavy penalty. Brown noted he might receive a slap on the wrist for the charges; however, it had nothing to do with his celebrity status.

Brown predicted Burke would push for a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), which came with a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail or a fine. "That's a violation as opposed to a crime. It won't happen. What will happen is a fine of up to $500," he claimed.

"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," Brown continued, adding that the DA could make Timberlake's case fairly difficult if he refused the breathalyzer test.

Witness Claims Justin Timberlake Was A ‘Great Guest’ At His Hotel

Justin Timberlake at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Trolls Band Together'
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Following Timberlake's arrest, The Blast shared that the owner of the hotel he had been drinking at had come forward to support him. Ted Conklin did not confirm or deny if the singer was intoxicated at his place of business but praised him for being a model guest.

The owner of The American Hotel described Timberlake as a "great guest and a nice guy," claiming he behaved adequately during his time with them. Conklin also stressed that he wouldn't ban the singer and looks forward to welcoming him if he ever returns.

Conklin's statements contradicted previous reports from an eyewitness who accused Timberlake of getting “wasted” at the hotel. He claimed the R&B star was inebriated to the point where he started chugging other guest's drinks.

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