Justin Timberlake‘s recent arrest for driving while intoxicated (DWI) has sparked intense public interest, particularly regarding the body cam footage captured during the incident. However, fans and media outlets eager to view the video may have to be patient, as the Sag Harbor Police Department has declined to release the footage, citing an ongoing investigation.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of June 18, has left many questions unanswered. Timberlake was reportedly pulled over in Sag Harbor, Long Island, after running a stop sign and failing to maintain his lane while driving a 2025 BMW. According to police reports, the singer’s eyes appeared “bloodshot and glassy,” and officers detected a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage” on his breath.
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Following public curiosity, TMZ officially requested a copy of the body cam video. However, the SHPD swiftly denied this request, invoking a specific New York law concerning the release of public records. The department’s spokesperson explained that releasing the footage could potentially interfere with their ongoing investigation, a justification explicitly provided for in the statute.
Interestingly, the police did not cite other possible grounds for withholding the video, such as the risk of compromising Timberlake’s right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication. This decision has led to speculation about the nature and scope of the investigation, with no clear timeline for its conclusion.
The singer’s legal team, led by attorney Edwin Burke Jr., has taken a proactive approach. Burke has vowed to “vigorously defend Mr. Timberlake on these allegations,” suggesting that there may be more to the story than initially reported. The attorney also mentioned that they are in the process of obtaining discovery from the District Attorney’s office, hinting at a potentially complex legal battle ahead.
Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Michael Brown, commenting on the case, per The Blast, praised Burke’s reputation and expertise. Brown speculated that Timberlake might receive a relatively lenient penalty, possibly facing a reduced charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI). This lesser offense typically carries a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail or a fine, though Brown believes a fine of up to $500 is more likely.
However, Brown cautioned that Timberlake’s alleged refusal to take a breathalyzer test could complicate matters. Reports suggest that the singer declined the test three times and performed poorly on the officer’s sobriety test. These factors could potentially strengthen the prosecution’s case and influence the final outcome.
Adding another layer to the story, Ted Conklin, owner of The American Hotel where Timberlake reportedly drank before his arrest, has come forward with supportive comments. Conklin spoke to TMZ and described Timberlake as a “great guest and a nice guy,” emphasizing that the singer behaved appropriately during his time at the establishment. These statements contradict earlier eyewitness accounts that claimed Timberlake was visibly intoxicated and engaging in disruptive behavior.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Timberlake is scheduled to appear virtually for a Sag Harbor court hearing next month. The singer has not made any public statements about the incident, likely on the advice of his legal team. His silence has only intensified public interest in the body cam footage and the events leading up to his arrest.