Prosecutors Subpoena Sag Harbor Hotel Where Justin Timberlake Drank Before DWI Arrest As Case Drags
By Favour Adegoke on August 10, 2024 at 3:45 PM EDT
County prosecutors have reportedly issued a subpoena to The American Hotel in Sag Harbor, New York, where Justin Timberlake was drinking before his DWI arrest.
The singer has yet to attend a hearing in his case due to his ongoing tour, and last week, Timberlake's driving privileges were officially suspended for a year.
Justin Timberlake has also pleaded not guilty to the charges against him after his lawyer, Edward Burke, filed a dismissal motion.
The American Hotel Gets Subpoenaed In Justin Timberlake's DWI Case
The American Hotel in Sag Harbor, New York, the luxurious hotel where Justin Timberlake had gone drinking before his DWI arrest, has been served a subpoena for evidence.
In the court hearing on Friday, Suffolk County prosecutors shared that they'd issued a subpoena to the hotel.
The prosecutors explained that the hotel's information shared through the subpoena would help confirm the details of Timberlake's claims about the night of his arrest.
He reportedly told the police officers who pulled him over that he had only "one martini."
The information is even more valuable in helping the prosecution determine how much the "Mirrors" singer actually drank. This is crucial because Timberlake refused to take a breathalyzer test during his arrest.
His attorney, Edward Burke Jr, has also claimed that he wasn't intoxicated that night.
Justin Timberlake's Driving Privileges Were Suspended
Timberlake was absent at the recent hearing, which was held a week after his last virtual court appearance on August 2.
During that hearing, the singer's driving privileges were suspended for a year under state regulations. Judge Carl Irace explained that the basis of his decision was Timberlake's refusal of a breathalyzer test after his arrest.
According to the Daily Mail, the suspension will be subject to a refusal hearing to determine whether Timberlake's driver's license should be fully revoked.
However, the singer's suspension could lapse in 15 days if the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not conduct a hearing on the case by his next court date.
The New York DMV has a big backlog of refusal cases, which might leave Timberlake free to drive without fear of arrest until the DMV sets a date and holds his hearing. Burke confirmed that as of Friday, he hasn't been given a date for the DMV hearing.
Justin Timberlake Pleaded Not Guilty After Trying To Dismiss The Case
When Timberlake was re-arraigned on Friday, August 2, the "Man in the Woods" singer appeared virtually from Belgium. He then pleaded not guilty to the one charge of driving while intoxicated brought by the prosecution. In the video, Timberlake looked sober and formal, dressed in a black collared shirt.
The singer's re-arraignment came after Burke filed for a dismissal of the case last week, citing errors in the original charging documents signed by police from his arrest. He argued that the paperwork was signed off by a part-time cop rather than a supervising officer and that it should have been the Sag Harbor Police sergeant present at the time.
Burke also insisted in his dismissal filings that Timberlake wasn't intoxicated. Instead of dismissing the case, the judge ordered a re-arraignment under new and revised paperwork, which was the hearing at which his license was suspended.
Police Report Shows The Singer Was Found With A Vape Pen And Other Items During His Arrest
According to police reports, Timberlake was made to perform a walk-and-turn test. This test requires a person to take nine steps in a straight line, each time placing his heel directly in front of his toe, then turning and repeating the process.
However, Timberlake allegedly failed the test, with 24-year-old rookie officer Michael Arkinson noting that the singer was "very unbalanced" and "unable to follow instructions correctly."
Having arrived at the police station after the arrest, Arkinson took inventory of Timberlake's possessions, which included a Rolex watch, a black vape pen, a gold ring, and a wallet that contained $306 in cash.
Justin Timberlake's Attorney Was Scolded For His Public Comments
During the Friday hearing, Judge Irace also scolded Burke over his comments at the July 26 hearing, saying they were "irresponsible." Burke had spoken to the press outside the court and stated that Timberlake wasn't intoxicated at all the night he was arrested.
Judge Irace said the lawyer's statements "come off as an attempt to poison the case before it even begins."
He warned Burke to be careful with his comments or risk a gag order to prevent speaking publicly about the case.
According to People Magazine, the "SexyBack" singer's next hearing is scheduled for September 13; however, Timberlake will not be required to appear in court physically.
