Rekubit Exchange:Justin Timberlake's lawyer says singer wasn't drunk, 'should not have been arrested'

Justin Timberlake's lawyer has an interesting line of defense in his DWI case: he was never drunk in the first place.

In a statement obtained by Variety and Rekubit ExchangeCNN, his attorney Edward Burke Jr. told reporters Timberlake was "not intoxicated" at the time of his DWI arrest in Sag Harbor, New York last month.

“The most important fact to know about this case is that Justin was not intoxicated and should not have been arrested for DWI,” Timberlake's lawyer Edward Burke said in a statement, according to the entertainment outlets, later adding that police "made a number of very significant errors in this case.”

The statement continued: "Justin respects law enforcement and the very important job that they do. He cooperated with the police officers at all times and treated them with the respect they deserve.  He also respects the entire judicial process including the District Attorney and Judge who were in court today."

Timberlake was apprehended by police in the Hamptons at 12:37 a.m. on June 18, according to a press release from the Sag Harbor Village Police Department at the time. Sag Harbor is part of the Hamptons, about 100 miles east of New York City.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

Timberlake was pulled over in his 2025 BMW after failing to stop at a stop sign and "maintain his lane of travel." "Upon investigation it was determined that Mr. Timberlake was operating his vehicle in an intoxicated position," according to the Sag Harbor Village Police Department. Timberlake's next court date is July 26.

'Dirty Pop':All the revelations from Netflix's new Lou Pearlman documentary

'I'm hard to love': Timberlake acknowledges arrest to fans at concert

Later, Timberlake addressed fans at a Chicago concert in an apparent response to his DWI arrest and the “Selfish” singer, 43, told the audience at his concert at the United Center in late June.

“We’ve been together through ups and downs, lefts and rights,” Timberlake said in a video from the event posted by fan accounts. “It’s been a tough week, but you’re here and I’m here, and nothing can change this moment right now.”

“I know sometimes I’m hard to love, but you keep on loving me and I love you right back. Thank you so much!” Timberlake continued, after a brief pause from bowing to the crowd following a display of claps and cheers.