by Mick the Ram

Singer Justin Timberlake was arrested in New York in the early hours of 18 June for what was officially described as “driving while intoxicated”.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that the pop star was formally charged and released without bail.

The 43-year-old was said to have refused to take a breathalyser test when pulled over in Sag Harbor, an affluent village in the Hamptons, and a popular summer destination for celebrities on Long Island.

He was understood to have initially ran a stop sign while driving a 2025 BMW, as well as drifting out of his traffic lane.

When challenged by the arresting officer, Timberlake is believed to have displayed many signs of being under the influence of alcohol.

He is scheduled to appear virtually in Sag Harbor court on 26 July.

“Socializing” with friends

The arrest occurred shortly after Timberlake left the American Hotel, where he had been “revelling” with a group of friends.

Police were stationed outside and watched him enter his vehicle and drive off, immediately jumping a stop sign. Drifting from his lane only served to persuade still further the watching cops to pull him over. 

Failed a sobriety test

His speech was said to be slowed and he performed poorly on the officers’ sobriety tests, officials stated.

It was reported that the singer’s eyes were “bloodshot and glassy” and it was documented that there was a “strong odour of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath”.

When challenged, Timberlake allegedly told the officer who stopped him: “I had one martini and I followed my friends home”.

Young officer had no idea who star was

Those friends were apparently pleading: “Let him go, let him go,” but seemingly the cop was so young he had no idea who he was arresting.

Comically when Timberlake muttered under his breath that the situation would “ruin the tour”, the police officer looked puzzled and asked “What tour?” and was even more perplexed when the reply was: “The world tour”.

Nevertheless, witnesses said Timberlake behaved like a gentleman, not showing any sign of entitlement as he was taken away to be processed and held overnight.

Lawyer makes defence

His lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., confirmed that he will be “vigorously defending his client” and was immediately engaging in the “Discovery process with the District Attorney’s Office”.

He said he was only charged with driving while intoxicated because he refused to take an alcohol test, which Mr Burke pointed out was absolutely his right to do.

The 10-time Grammy and four-time Emmy winner has previously been quite open when speaking about seeking help for excessive drinking.

Various penalties could be delivered

In the state of New York, penalties for charges related to driving while intoxicated include up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine and the suspension of a driver’s licence for at least six months.