Justin Timberlake Arrested For Drunk Driving: What You Should Know
By now, most of us have heard the shocking news of Justin Timberlake’s drunk driving accident. Recent news reports state that the singer’s lawyer will vigorously defend his client. However, he is fighting an uphill battle because Timberlake submitted to a field sobriety test.
Details of the Justin Timberlake Accident
43-year-old Justin Timberlake drove through Sag Harbor in the Hamptons, a popular celebrity getaway. Police pulled him over just after midnight on Monday for running a stop sign and failing to stay on the right side of the road.
Officers described Timberlake’s eyes as “bloodshot and glassy.” They also noted that a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was emanating from his breath.” He also exhibited slowed speech and performed poorly on the officers’ sobriety tests.
However, he refused a breathalyzer test.
Why You Should Not Take a Field Sobriety Test
Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs) are not pass or fail tests. Rather, they are drills that can make both sober and intoxicated people show signs of possible intoxication. Statistics show that people may exhibit drunken-like behavior when taking these tests, even when they are completely sober.
The drills are as follows:
The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Drill: During this drill, the officer will move a pen or light in front of your eye to test for Nystagmus (jumping of the eye). However, Nystagmus occurs naturally in people for various people and may not be alcohol-related.
The Walk and Turn Drill: A walk and turn drill involves an officer explaining rapid-fire instructions that you must memorize and follow. If you cannot memorize the instructions and follow them perfectly, you are considered intoxicated. In fact, according to the law, even asking the officer to repeat the instructions could be a sign of intoxication. Meanwhile, many people cannot perform this exercise sober.
One Leg Stand: This drill requires the suspect to raise one foot six inches off the ground with their toes pointed towards the ground and hold it in position for a count of 30 without looking down. If you think it’s easy, go to YouTube and check out the videos of people performing FSTs sober.
Should I Refuse a Breathalyzer Test?
Justin Timberlake submitted to field sobriety tests. His lawyer could argue these tests were not valid. But what about his refusal to take a breathalyzer test? Will this help his case? Not really.
Refusing a breathalyzer test could make you seem guilty. You may also face charges for refusing to provide a sample. This charge can result in arrest, license suspension, fines, and search warrants.
Justin Timberlake Drunk Driving News
Justin Timberlake was released without bail after being formally charged. He is scheduled to appear virtually in court on July 26.
He could face up to a year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and a six-month license suspension if found guilty.
The star has spoken out before about his need to find help for his excessive drinking. With that said, he denies drinking and driving, insisting he had one martini.
Timberlake’s lawyer, Edward Burke Jr., vows to fight for his client. “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 star’s court date coincides with the beginning of his tour at the Tauron Arena in Krakow. He is also scheduled to perform two shows in Chicago this weekend followed by a show in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday.
The singer rose to fame as a member of the 90s boy band NSYNC. He is a ten-time Grammy winner. He has also appeared in films such as The Social Network and Friends with Benefits.