No reason for Justin Timberlake's community service: 'No decision yet'

SAG HARBOR, NY — Despite a judge's orders in September that Justin Timberlake must perform 25 hours of community service over the next year following a Sag Harbor DWI arrest in June, the pop star has yet to make up his mind about which non-profit organization will choose, said his lawyer.

When asked who the top contenders could be, Edward Burke Jr. told Pats that “no decision has been made yet.”

On social media, a group of Long Island nonprofits offered to welcome Timberlake with open arms.

Keith Caputo of Helping Makes U Happy in Center Moriches — the organization helps those in need in the community — wrote on Facebook: “I would be happy if Justin Timberlake did his 25 hours of community service with Helping Makes U Happy.”

Alisa McMorris, who lost her son Andrew when a drunk driver crashed into his Boy Scout troop on a hike, spoke out against Timberlake's sentencing, writing on social media: “We hope Justin chooses a non for-profit organization that is aware of drunk driving'.

“Justin Timberlake is welcome to work in the office in connection with Pet4luv for his 25 hours of volunteer community service. Please DM,” East Village Green Animal Hospital in Levittown wrote on Facebook.

Despite the reception from local groups, Timberlake is still on his world tour, with the last date scheduled for July 2025, according to his tour schedule.

Timberlake signed a plea deal in September, pleading guilty to driving while impaired, a misdemeanor. prosecutors said the pop star would make a public safety announcement against drunk driving that would have global impact.

Sag Harbor Village Judge Carl Irace, who said he thought the sentence presented by the prosecution was not severe enough, also ordered Timberlake to perform 25 hours of community service at a nonprofit of his choice – he has a year to complete the hours — and pay a $500 fine.

He was to lose his license for 90 days in New York for refusing to take a breathalyzer test, officials said.

Irace had questions about the PSA, asking how it would work. When told it would be taped outside the courthouse, Irace had reservations and said he believed the PSA would be created in the traditional sense, filmed and shared multiple times on various channels.

As suggested, Irace said the PSA was a “sidewalk statement” which he felt was “unsatisfactory”.

The prosecution recalled that every detail of the case had reached an international audience and that any video shared by the media and social media, filmed outside the court, would have the same stratospheric, far-reaching impact.

“We received more inquiries on this case than the Gilgo serial killings,” said the assistant district attorney.

Irace said he thought raising awareness was “absolutely critical” and praised Timberlake for wanting to do it through his platform.

He added, however, that he felt other components of punishment were missing. he'd like to see some focus on the “rehabilitation” element, and he also said he believes community service ends up being rewarding because a person has time for reflection and reflection, which is important in preventing recidivism, Irace said.

“It might be pleasant,” said Irace. “It's one of those things where you get out of it, what you put into it.”

In determining the number of hours of community service, Irace said his decision would be made after Timberlake's statement.

In the process, Timberlake expressed remorse, saying he made a bad decision that night.

“Even if you've had a drink, don't get behind the wheel,” he said, suggesting people take a taxi or take a ride or call a friend.

He said he also comes from a small town and understands the pressure the proceedings have taken on the Sag Harbor community.

He said that since he was a boy, he had held himself to “very high standards. This wasn't it. I was put in a position where I could have made a different decision, but I would have had some time to think about it. That was a mistake.” which I did, but hopefully anyone watching or listening can learn from this mistake.

He said he was grateful and understood the seriousness of what might have happened and was looking forward to using his platform internationally to spread the word and raise awareness about not drinking and driving.

Iris said he heard Timberlake's honesty. “I believe you,” he said.

Timberlake, both in court and addressing the media, said he was grateful. “I'll do my part. I hope everyone else does their part.”

Timberlake's attorney, Burke Jr., also spoke. He said in the past he has said, “My client was not driving drunk.”

After much discussion and a thorough examination of the evidence, Burke said: “Today the DA's office correctly agreed not to proceed with this charge. The evidence revealed that my client finished the contents of one drink in two hours at The American Hotel .”

Contrary to what some outlets reported, Burke said, “he didn't drink other people's drinks or give advance warnings not to drive. He wasn't rude. He wasn't obnoxious. He wasn't combative. In fact, he was polite, cooperative and respectful throughout his encounter with law enforcement, as did they.”

The plea “to a reduced and amended non-criminal charge, traffic violation, is consistent with these facts and a full acceptance of responsibility for them,” Burke said.

Burke said the case unfolded right across the street from his office — the American Hotel and the Sag Harbor Magistrates Court are a short geographical distance away. “But I think we're going to have a message that will travel far and wide. Because it's that message coming from Justin himself, about what's in his head and in his heart.”

“Today, Mr. Timberlake chose to plead guilty and accept responsibility for driving while ability impaired by alcohol,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “We appreciate his willingness to take responsibility for his behavior and for using his platform to raise public awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. As previously reported, Mr. Timberlake received the the same treatment as any other defendant.Justice should be applied equally For all individuals, regardless of their wealth or drug status, drug driving is an extremely serious public safety issue nationwide, with the prevalence of and the convenience of public transportation and rideshares, there's no excuse for getting behind the wheel when you're in any way disabled.”

According to a Sag Harbor Village Police spokesperson, Timberlake, 43, was arrested in the “early morning hours” of June 18 on a misdemeanor DWI charge and taken away.

Sag Harbor police said that at 12:37 a.m. Timberlake, Tennessee, was seen driving a 2025 BMW southbound on Madison Street and failing to stop at a properly posted stop sign and failing to maintain his lane.

A Sag Harbor Village police officer initiated a traffic stop and, upon investigation, determined that Timberlake was driving under the influence. He was arrested, processed and held overnight for morning arraignment, police said, the same protocol as any other DWI arrest.

Timberlake was arraigned in Sag Harbor Village Justice Court and released on his own recognizance, police said.

Timberlake is currently in the middle of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour.