Justin Timberlake’s DUI – Will He Get Community Service?

Pop superstar Justin Timberlake was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) in New York in June while on his world tour. The 43-year-old singer was detained overnight by police in Sag Harbor before being arraigned the next morning on the misdemeanor DUI charge.

Timberlake allegedly ran a stop sign, was swerving between lanes, and had bloodshot, glassy eyes. He refused to take a breathalyzer test but told officers he had “one martini”. The arresting officer said Timberlake seemed unaware of where he was and made comments about the incident “ruining his tour”.

While Timberlake did not appear at his virtual arraignment in July, his lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. His attorney also filed a motion to dismiss the case entirely, claiming procedural errors in the paperwork filed by police. The judge set another hearing for October to allow prosecutors time to respond to the dismissal request.

So, what penalties could Timberlake face if convicted and will it involve community service? Here’s a look at what happens next in the case.

Potential Penalties

In New York, first-time misdemeanor DUI offenders typically face fines of $500-$1,000, license suspension for 6 months, and enrolment in alcohol education and treatment programs. They may also get probation or community service.

For Timberlake, legal experts say community service is a real possibility if prosecutors reject the dismissal motion and he’s eventually convicted.

Celebrities often get community service in DUIs so they can avoid jail time but still be punished. The court wants to send a message that star status doesn’t mean special treatment.

According to 22bet.com, there’s a 33.3% chance that Justin Timberlake will get community service, with odds of 3.

What Type of Service?

Community service sentences allow offenders to avoid incarceration by performing volunteer work that benefits the public. The programs are usually administered by local nonprofits and government agencies.

Options could include cleaning up parks, serving food at homeless shelters, or doing maintenance and repairs at community centers. Offenders typically get a certain number of hours to complete within a given timeframe, such as 100 hours over 3 months.

Someone with Timberlake’s star power might be allowed to do something higher profile, such as filming a PSA about responsible drinking. However, most services are more everyday tasks.

Prior Celebrity Sentences

Plenty of other big name celebs have gotten community service for DUIs, including music stars like Bruno Mars, Vince Neil and Diana Ross.

Actress Michelle Rodriguez did community labor as part of her DUI plea deal, while both Tracey Morgan and Nick Nolte picked up trash along highways for their drunk driving convictions.

Reality star Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino was ordered to deliver public speeches about addiction and recovery when he was sentenced on tax evasion.

The court would likely aim for something straightforward but meaningful for Timberlake. Even picking up litter can be powerfully eye-opening.

Of course, sentencing remains months away, assuming Timberlake doesn’t win dismissal. But community service seems a real possibility if convicted as both punishment and redemption. The only question is what platform the pop icon might get to send his message against drunk driving.