Justin Timberlake at the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards

Justin Timberlake Brushes DWI Arrest Aside To Proceed With His Tour: 'It's Business As Usual'

Home / Entertainment / Justin Timberlake Brushes DWI Arrest Aside To Proceed With His Tour: 'It's Business As Usual'

By Favour Adegoke on June 21, 2024 at 11:15 AM EDT

Justin Timberlake is seemingly putting his recent DWI arrest behind him as he turns his attention to his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.

Timberlake was on a short break from touring after performing in Miami on June 15 but was arrested for driving while intoxicated in the wee hours of Tuesday morning.

A source said that for Timberlake, it's "business as usual" ahead of his two-legged show in Chicago on June 21 and 22.

Justin Timberlake's attorney, Edwin Burke Jr., has vowed to "vigorously" defend him from the charges ahead of his next court appearance on July 26.

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Justin Timberlake To Continue Tour Despite DWI Arrest

2024 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Arrivals. 11 Mar 2024 Pictured: Justin Timberlake.
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The "SexyBack" singer was recently thrust into the spotlight for reasons unrelated to his chart-topping hits.

Timberlake was arrested and charged on Tuesday for driving while intoxicated after allegedly running a stop sign and "failing to keep on the right side of the roadway" in his 2025  BMW.

In his charging documents, the officer who pulled him over stated that Timberlake's "eyes were bloodshot and glassy, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath, he was unable to divide attention, he had slowed speech, he was unsteady afoot, and he performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests."

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His run-in with the law had left fans speculating about its potential effect on his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, but a source has now told People magazine that it will go on as scheduled.

"It's business as usual for him," the insider shared. "The tour is continuing as planned."

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Justin Timberlake's Court Date Clashes With His European Show

Justin Timberlake at the Los Angeles premiere of 'Trolls Band Together'
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The "Mirrors" hitmaker is yet to speak on his arrest ahead of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour performances in Chicago on June 21 and 22.

The recent DWI charges mean that his driving privileges have been suspended in New York City; however, he'll return to the Big Apple on June 25 and 26 for another round of performances.

Timberlake is scheduled for a virtual Sag Harbor court appearance on July 26, the same date as his Forget Tomorrow World Tour stop at the Tauron Arena in Kraków, Poland.

According to People, he will unlikely be present for the hearing, but his attorney, Edwin Burke Jr., is expected to stand in for him.

If convicted of the charges, Timberlake faces up to one year in jail, although he may not receive such a harsh punishment because he is a first-time offender.

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The Singer Plans To 'Vigorously' Fight The Charges

Justin Timberlake is glassy eyed on his mugshot after being arrested for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Sag Harbor, NY.
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The former NSYNC band member does not plan to shy away from the fight with the law as his attorney has purposed to "vigorously" defend him against the allegations.

"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's lawyer's conviction has seemingly been supported by Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Michael Brown, who predicted that the "Friends With Benefits" actor would only get a slap on the wrist and is in "good hands" because his attorney is  "a very good attorney, very well known, established with the DAs in Suffolk County," per the New York Post.

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Justin Timberlake's Lawyer Might Appeal For A DWAI

Justin Timberlake attending the Dior Menswear Spring Summer 2023 photocall
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Brown predicted that Burke would 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, noting that the charge comes with only a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail, before adding, "It won't happen. What will happen is a fine of up to $500."

"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, although 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.

Justin Timberlake's Wife Is Allegedly 'Embarrassed' By His Arrest

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel attend the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring Summer 2023
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Timberlake's arrest has seemingly affected his family, especially his wife, Jessica Biel, who is understood to be unhappy and disappointed with his behavior.

Biel was recently spotted in New York City, where she filmed her new Prime Video series, "The Better Sister," just miles away from Sag Harbor, Long Island, where Timberlake was arrested and charged for driving while intoxicated.

According to the Daily Mail, a source close to the "Total Recall" actress shared that she's "embarrassed" at the situation but is grateful that he came out unhurt but is afraid that something terrible may happen in the future if he doesn't turn a new leaf.

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"Jessica is disappointed, but he is her husband, so she is by his side and will have his back through all of it," the tipster noted. "She would like Justin to curb his drinking so he never gets into a situation like this ever again. She is treating it like a slap on the wrist and is hoping that it doesn't lead to anything more severe in the future."

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