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Real Life: Legal History
November 2000 - present

Arrested Development (30 Nov 2000)
Thanksgiving weekend he was arrested in Palm Springs for possesion of cocaine and methamphetamines, being under the influence of a controlled substance. He is out on bail and will go before a judge December 27.

Appeal to Reason (30 Nov 2000)
The prosecutor's appeal of his August 2000 release from Corcoran State prison was denied. He was not on parole or out on bail Thanksgiving weekend, factors which signigicantly reduce the maximum sentence he could receieve for his latest arrest).

All Clear in L.A. County (19 Dec 2000)
He made his final appearance in front of Malibu district court Judge Mira, where all was tied up from his stint in Corcoran State Prison. Mira wished Downey good luck and sent him on his way.

Not Guilty Plea Entered (27 Dec 2000)
Robert Downey Jr. pled not guilty to all charges from his November arrest. He will not have to appear in court again until 29 January 2001, when it will be decided whether or not he can go before an Expedited Drug Court (the Drug Court would most likely send him to lockdown rehab; if he stays in criminal court, he would go to state prison if found guilty on the 2 felony charges, or county jail if found guilty on the misdemeanor charge). His rehab sponsor has been accompanying him to all court hearings.

Another Day in Court (29 Jan 2001)
He appeared in court, where his lawyers requested a continuance. The lawyers will use the time to build their defense, and there is the possibility of a plea bargain during this time.

He May Go to Trial (15 Mar 2001)
The lawyers reported that they were unable to reach a plea bargain. They will be in court again on April 30, when the judge will review evidence and decide if the prosecution can proceed to trial. Downey's lawyer reports they were holding out for an offer with no "restriction on his freedom" and the DA did not give any such offers. If he goes to trial and is convicted on all charges, he could face 4 and a half years in prison.

Another Brush with the Law (24 April 2001)
Around midnight Tues. April 24, he was arrested in Culver City, CA while walking down the street. The charge was Suspicion of Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance. He was released a few hours later and checked into rehab. He was scheduled for arraignment on May 15, but the DA did not follow through.

Latest Court Date (30 April 2001)
His attorneys appeared in court April 30 (for the Nov. arrest). They are trying to get his charges reduced. He should appear in court with them on May 24. His arrest from April 24 will not affect this case. However, the State of California is expected to order him to six months of rehab for violating probation. He would be allowed to work during this time.

Drug Test Results Are In (10 May 2001)
The test results are in from the drug test he took following his April 24 arrest. They turned up traces of cocaine. The Sherriff's department recommended that he be charged with a misdemeanor of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

DA Will Not Charge Downey (14 May 2001)
It's official. Robert Downey Jr. will not face new charges for his April 24 arrest. This incident counts as a violation of his probation, but he will not face any additional charges.

Everything's Coming Up Downey (16 July 2001)
The suspense is over. July 16 marked Robert Downey Jr.'s most recent court appearance for his November 2000 arrest. He entered a plea of "No Contest" and under California's Proposition 36, he was sentenced to 3 years of probation and 1 year of rehab. He will serve no jail time as long as he complies with the terms of his probation. He could face up to 4 years in prison if he's charged with additional drug violations or if he does not cooperate with his treatment programs. He has been living in a 24-hour rehab facility and will be subjected to random drug tests and surprise visits from his parole officers.

Court Date (20 Mar 2002)
On March 19, Downey appeared in court. Judge Randall White reviewed a report by Downey's probation officers, which concluded that he has complied with the terms of his probation/rehabilitation, and has remained drug-free. Another in-court review was set for July 19. If all goes well at the next court date, the judge may end his probation and dismiss his drug charges from 2001.

Freedom or Something Like It (19 July 2002)
Downey has successfully completed one year of court-ordered rehab, and his probation was officially ended today (for charges from his November 2001 arrest). His lawyer added, "It means he is much more insurable for making movies." However, he is still on parole from the ancient charges that landed him in jail three years ago.