Justin Timberlake, former *NSYNC star and pop icon, found himself back in the headlines, but not for another reunion tour. Instead, he faced the music in court last Friday, pleading guilty to a lesser charge related to his June DWI arrest.

The charge? “Driving while ability impaired.” It’s a step down from the original DWI charge, but Timberlake still wasn’t walking away scot-free. The Sag Harbor courthouse slapped him with a fine, a 90-day license suspension, and required him to perform 25–40 hours of community service, as reported by Fox News.

Image Credit: Sag Harbor Police Department

As is typical in celebrity cases, Timberlake managed to secure a plea deal before the hearing, though the exact details remained hush-hush.

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According to a source familiar with the case, he agreed to plead guilty to the traffic violation in exchange for a lighter sentence. But don’t expect MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) to send Timberlake any congratulatory gifts. They were quick to criticize the deal, saying, “Driving while impaired is a dangerous and reckless choice that puts lives at risk, and the consequences should reflect the gravity of that decision.”

Facing reporters after the court proceedings, Timberlake put on his best PR face. “I try to hold myself to a very high standard,” he said, echoing the type of remorse we’ve come to expect from the Hollywood elite whenever they’re caught with their pants down—or in this case, their foot on the gas after a few too many drinks.

He went on to offer a PSA, urging people not to drive even after just “one drink,” saying there are “so many alternatives” like calling a friend, taking an Uber, or grabbing a taxi.

If Timberlake’s courtroom apology seemed rehearsed, that’s because it likely was. He even acknowledged the “platform” he shares with the media, suggesting this whole ordeal might somehow serve as a lesson for others.

“This is a mistake that I made, but I’m hoping that whoever’s watching and listening right now can learn from this mistake,” he added. And then, in typical celebrity fashion, he wrapped it all up with a self-congratulatory note about how he’s “grateful” to everyone involved in the case.

The judge, however, wasn’t entirely impressed. Judge Carl Irace agreed with the reduced charge but tacked on community service, remarking that “community service should be required and is an essential part of taking responsibility.”

Apparently, a slap on the wrist wasn’t quite enough for Irace, though let’s not kid ourselves—Timberlake probably won’t be picking up trash on the side of the road anytime soon.

The details of Timberlake’s arrest paint a pretty clear picture of that night. According to the arresting officer, Timberlake was pulled over in the early hours of June 18, and let’s just say he didn’t ace those field sobriety tests. The officer noted Timberlake had “bloodshot and glossy” eyes, smelled of alcohol, and was “unsteady” on his feet. But hey, maybe he was just practicing his next dance routine, right?

Timberlake’s lawyer, Ed Burke Jr., had his own spin on things, claiming the police “made significant errors” during the arrest. According to him, Timberlake wasn’t intoxicated and “should not have been arrested for DWI.” Sure, Ed. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Of course, this isn’t Timberlake’s only recent controversy. Earlier this year, Britney Spears, his former flame, stirred the pot in her memoir, revisiting their messy breakup and accusing him of some questionable behavior, including pressuring her into an abortion.

Timberlake responded to that drama, too—during a concert, of course—telling his fans, “I’d like to take this opportunity to apologize to absolutely f—— nobody.” Classy.

In the end, Justin Timberlake walks away with a lighter sentence, some community service hours, and probably a few extra headlines. It’s all part of the gig when you’re a former boy band star turned pop culture attention-magnet.