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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
William Mata

Justin Timberlake was 'not intoxicated' when arrested and charge should be dismissed, lawyer claims

Justin Timberlake’s lawyer has said the singer was not intoxicated when he was arrested for drink-driving and claims that errors were made in documents submitted by the police. 

Edward Burke has said he will try and get the charge dismissed, with a hearing scheduled for August 2 to review amended paperwork.

Timberlake, 43, was arrested on June 18 for driving while intoxicated after being pulled over in Long Island, New York

The singer had been dining with friends at the American Hotel in Sag Harbor prior to the incident.

It was later alleged that the arresting officer, who was much younger than the pop star, had no idea who he was

Justin Timberlake (PA Archive)

Timberlake alleged claimed that the arrest would “ruin” his ongoing Forget Tomorrow World Tour. However, the musician has managed to continue performing, scheduling concerts around his legal obligations.

Later the same week he told a Chicago audience he had experienced a “hard” few days but was determined to continue.

Then, on July 1, he told a Boston audience: "Is there anyone here that is driving, no I'm just kidding."

He is set to play London’s O2 Arena on August 11 and 12 with his first Europe dates set to kick off a week prior. 

Justice Carl Irace has said that due to his touring commitments Timberlake will be able to appear virtually for the court hearing. 

The initial report said that Timberlake had “bloodshot and glassy” eyes but Mr Burke has said that police made "very significant errors". 

He told reporters he expects the charges to be dismissed, adding: "I'll say it again. Justin Timberlake was not intoxicated."

The prosecution team have acknowledged an "ministerial error" in the paperwork but said that the “facts and circumstances of the case have not been changed”. 

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