Justin Timberlake Arrested for DUI in the Hamptons

The venerable “I only had one drink” excuse failed to sway police officers in the Hamptons, who charged the pop icon with DUI.

Timberlake was arrested after he failed to stop at a stop sign, was unable to stay in the right lane, and “performed poorly on all standardized field sobriety tests,” according to a police report. 

He had “bloodshot and glossy eyes,” was “unable to divide his attention,” and had a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage… emanating from his breath.” He was “unsteady afoot” and exhibited “slow speech,” the arresting officer wrote.

Timberlake was charged with one count of driving while intoxicated along with citations for failure to keep right and failure to stop at a stop sign, the district attorney’s office confirmed.

“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,” remarked Timberlake’s lawyer, Ed Burke.

Criminal and Civil Court

Without a chemical sample, criminal prosecutors are hard-pressed to establish guilt beyond any reasonable doubt unless the circumstantial evidence is very strong. So, unless Timberlake fell on the walk-and-turn, a jury would probably find him not guilty of DUI.

Personal injury cases in civil court are different. A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer must only establish facts by a preponderance of the evidence, or more likely than not. Therefore, circumstantial evidence, even weak evidence, is usually more than enough to establish intoxication or at least impairment. More on that below.

Furthermore, the purposes of criminal and civil courts are different. Criminal courts punish offenders, usually by putting them in jail or placing them on probation. Limited victim compensation may be available, mostly some medical bill payment.

Civil courts fully compensate victims. This compensation usually includes money for economic losses, such as medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering. Additional punitive damages are available as well, in a few extreme cases.

Evidence is different in criminal and civil courts as well. Usually, a police report is inadmissible in criminal proceedings. But the police accident report is usually critical evidence for a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.

Intoxication and Impairment

Legally, intoxication is the complete loss of mental or physical faculties due to drug or alcohol consumption. Impairment is the partial loss of function due to alcohol or drug consumption. In criminal court, at least in a DUI, intoxication is the standard. In civil court, compensation is available whether the tortfeasor (negligent driver) was intoxicated or impaired.

Both intoxication and impairment violate the duty of care, which requires motorists to be at their best (a/k/a fully sober) when they get behind the wheel. Other kinds of operator impairment, like severe fatigue and driver distraction, also violate the duty of care. Drunk drivers cause serious injuries. 

Seek Advice From Our Personal Injury Attorneys!

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash or suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to compensation. Our team is here to help you navigate the legal complexities and seek the justice you deserve.

For a free consultation with an experienced California personal injury attorney, contact the Law Offices of Eslamboly Hakim. We do not charge upfront legal fees in these matters.