Justin Timberlake addresses reporters after pleading guilty to driving while ability impaired

Justin Timberlake pleaded guilty Friday to a traffic infraction -- driving while ability impaired -- to resolve his driving while intoxicated case in the Hamptons.

Timberlake apologized for his conduct in comments to reporters after court, saying, "Many of you have probably been covering me for a lot of my life . ... I try to hold myself to a very high standard for myself -- and this was not that.”

PHOTO: Justin Timberlake, center, walks into court for his arraignment, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Sag Harbor, N.Y.  (Pamela Smith/AP)
PHOTO: Justin Timberlake, center, walks into court for his arraignment, Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, in Sag Harbor, N.Y. (Pamela Smith/AP)

"I found myself in a position where I could’ve made a different decision. But I’ve had some time to reflect on that," he said.

"What I’d like to say to everyone watching and listening: Even if you’ve had one drink, don’t get behind the wheel of a car. There’s so many alternatives. Call a friend, take an Uber," Timberlake said.

PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake arrives to appear in court in Sag Harbor, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)
PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake arrives to appear in court in Sag Harbor, N.Y., Sept. 13, 2024. (Eduardo Munoz/Reuters)

Timberlake appeared in person in Sag Harbor Village court on Friday. The judge ordered him to pay a fine and perform community service.

Timberlake also agreed to appear in a public service announcement about the dangers of drunk driving.

PHOTO: Justin Timberlake arrives in court in the Hamptons early Friday where he's expected to accept a plea deal allowing him to dodge drunk driving charges, Sept. 13, 2024, in Long Island, N.Y. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)
PHOTO: Justin Timberlake arrives in court in the Hamptons early Friday where he's expected to accept a plea deal allowing him to dodge drunk driving charges, Sept. 13, 2024, in Long Island, N.Y. (Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

MORE: Justin Timberlake reaches deal to resolve DWI case in the Hamptons: Sources

"The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at the American Hotel," Timberlake's lawyer, Edward Blake, told reporters after court as the pop star looked on. "And contrary to what was reported, he wasn't drinking other people's drinks, or warned in advance not to drive. He wasn't rude, he wasn't obnoxious, he wasn't belligerent. In fact, he was polite and he was cooperative and he was respectful during his entire encounter with law enforcement."

"His plea today to the reduced and amended non-criminal charge ... is consistent with these facts," he said.

PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake appears with his lawyer Edward Burke at a hearing related to a DWI arrest in the Sag Harbor Village Court in Sag Harbor, Sept. 13, 2024.  (T E Mcmorrow/via Reuters)
PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake appears with his lawyer Edward Burke at a hearing related to a DWI arrest in the Sag Harbor Village Court in Sag Harbor, Sept. 13, 2024. (T E Mcmorrow/via Reuters)
PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake appears with his lawyer Edward Burke at a hearing related to a DWI arrest in the Sag Harbor Village Court in Sag Harbor, Sept. 13, 2024.  (T E Mcmorrow/via Reuters)
PHOTO: Singer Justin Timberlake appears with his lawyer Edward Burke at a hearing related to a DWI arrest in the Sag Harbor Village Court in Sag Harbor, Sept. 13, 2024. (T E Mcmorrow/via Reuters)

Timberlake said, "This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever is watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake. I know that I certainly have."

"We can all be more safe out there. And I’m gonna do my part, I hope that everyone else does their part," he said.

Timberlake was leaving a hotel in June when he was stopped for running a stop sign and swerving into the oncoming lane.

PHOTO: Justin Timberlake appears in a mugshot from Sag Harbor Village Police Department after being arrested June 18, 2024. (Sag Harbor Village Police Department)
PHOTO: Justin Timberlake appears in a mugshot from Sag Harbor Village Police Department after being arrested June 18, 2024. (Sag Harbor Village Police Department)

MORE: Justin Timberlake pleads not guilty for 2nd time to charges stemming from DWI arrest

The officer smelled booze on the pop star's breath, and police noted he had bloodshot, glassy eyes, according to a police report. Timberlake also had slow speech, was unsteady on his feet and performed poorly on a field sobriety test, according to the criminal complaint.

Timberlake told the arresting officer he had only one drink, the complaint said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said in a statement Friday, "Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while his ability was impaired by alcohol. We appreciate his willingness to hold himself accountable for his behavior, and for using his platform to increase public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. ... In 2024, with the prevalence and convenience of public transit and ride-shares, there is no excuse to get behind the wheel when you are impaired in any way."

"Mr. Timberlake received the same treatment as any other defendant," Tierney added. "Justice should be applied equally to all individuals, regardless of their wealth or celebrity status."

The singer is currently on his "The Forget Tomorrow World Tour." His next concert is Sept. 28 in Newark, New Jersey.

Justin Timberlake addresses reporters after pleading guilty to driving while ability impaired originally appeared on abcnews.go.com