In a resolution to his drunk-driving case in the Hamptons, singer-songwriter and actor Justin Timberlake accepted a reduced level of traffic offense and pleaded guilty to impaired driving. The former boy band star entered the Sag Harbor village court on Friday, where he expressed remorse for his actions and vowed to use his platform to encourage others to make better decisions.

Accompanied by police officers, Timberlake made his way to the courthouse through a crowd of onlookers and journalists after leaving his lawyer's office. Standing throughout the proceedings, he offered a statement acknowledging that he had not lived up to his own standards and accepting the gravity of his mistake. "I understand the seriousness of this," Timberlake told the judge, as he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to move forward and help others through his experiences.

Originally pleading not guilty to a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI) at a hearing last month, Timberlake had his driving license suspended. The case was being prosecuted by the office of Ray Tierney, the Suffolk county district attorney. The incident leading to Timberlake's arrest occurred in Sag Harbor on June 18, when he ran a stop sign, veered out of his lane, and was found to have alcohol on his breath.

According to police filings, the 43-year-old artist exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot and glassy eyes, slowed speech, unsteady movements, and poor performance on sobriety tests. Timberlake claimed to have had only one martini and stated that he was following friends home.

As part of the plea deal, Timberlake agreed to make a safety-related announcement in public. Emerging from the Sag Harbor court into the bright sunshine, the singer, dressed in a dark sweater, took the opportunity to address the public. He urged everyone to learn from his mistake, emphasizing the importance of not getting behind the wheel after consuming even a single drink. Timberlake acknowledged his own error and expressed hope that others would take heed.

In his statement, Timberlake thanked the small town and its police department for their handling of the case. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to ensure safety on the roads and promised to do his part. The repercussions of Timberlake's license suspension in New York extend beyond the state, potentially impacting his ability to drive in other states as well.

With his guilty plea and public apology, Justin Timberlake aims to turn his personal misstep into a lesson for others. The singer-songwriter hopes that his influence as a public figure will encourage responsible decision-making and contribute to increased road safety.