Justin Timberlake likely to get slap on the wrist if convicted on DWI charge – but not because of his fame: expert

nypost.com:

was arrested during a traffic stop on Sag Harbor, LI early Tuesday — would face up to a year in jail if he was found guilty of the DWI rap.But his seasoned attorney, Eddie Burke Jr., will likely make a bid for a lesser charge of driving while ability impaired (DWAI), said Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer Michael Brown.“That’s a violation as opposed to a crime,” Brown explained, adding that the charge comes with only a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail, but noting “It won’t happen.

What will happen is a fine of up to $500 dollars.”Timberlake, 43, is in “good hands,” Brown said, noting the star’s attorney is “a very good attorney, very-well known, established with the DAs in Suffolk County.”A favorable outcome in the case wouldn’t be because of Timberlake’s celebrity status, though, Brown — who worked as a prosecutor in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office from 1992 to 1995 — said.“I don’t think [the DA’s Office] will make an example of him nor will they be more lenient.

I think the case will rise and fall on the merits of the case,” he said.But Brown warned that the office is known for being “fairly tough” in cases where people refuse to take a Breathalyzer test.“We all have a job to do” he noted.Police said the “SexyBack” artist refused to take a Breathalyzer and showed signs of being drunk when he was stopped for blowing through a stop sign and swerving on the road while driving a grey 2025 BMW.

Timberlake, a married dad of two who has acknowledged previous issues with “excessive drinking,” was released without bail after his arraignment later Tuesday morning on a misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.