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Actor Downey's drug case continued until February 21

Robert Downey Jr.

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INDIO, California (CNN) -- Award-winning actor Robert Downey Jr. was granted a delay Monday until February 21 for a preliminary hearing on drug charges after his attorney, Daniel Brookman, said he needed more time to get information pertinent to the case.

Asked by Riverside Superior Court Judge B.J. Ork if he agreed to waive his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, Downey -- wearing wire-rimmed glasses, an open-necked white, button-down shirt and a blue blazer -- said, "Yes, your honor."

Charges against actor

The actor was arrested Thanksgiving Day at a luxury hotel in the California desert resort of Palm Springs, California, just three months after getting out of prison on a prior drug conviction.

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Downey now faces charges of possession of cocaine, felony possession of the prescription depressant diazepam, also known as Valium, and a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of a controlled substance.

If convicted on all three counts, he faces a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in state prison.

Downey entered a plea of not guilty to the drug charges last month and remains free on bond.

Plea bargain possible

Downey is in an expedited drug program, which attempts to get simple drug possession cases off the books and out of the courtrooms as quickly as possible, often after plea bargains.

Ork pressed both sides to come to an agreement soon. "I would hope that we're not going to continue the matter on the 21st," he said. "I hope we do resolve it."

Downey, 35, who has a history of drug-related legal problems, was released from prison in August after serving time for a probation violation.

A week ago, Downey won a Golden Globe Award for his supporting performance on the television show "Ally McBeal," and was able to joke about his problems.

Robert Downey Jr., center, faces a maximum term of four years and eight months in state prison if convicted on drug charges

I just want to share this with my fellow parolees ... nominees and say this really means a lot," he said.

Before the ceremony began, he would only say "I'm doing everything I can to do the right thing ... that's all."

The actor was a member of the "brat pack" of young actors who shot to fame in the 1980s that included "West Wing" star Rob Lowe and Sarah Jessica Parker of "Sex in the City."

Downey also was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the 1992 movie "Chaplin" and played a journalist in the 1994 movie "Natural Born Killers."

Earlier this month, Downey's wife filed for divorce from the actor, five years after they separated, and sought custody of their 7-year-old son.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Robert Downey Jr. free after pleading not guilty in drug case
December 27, 2000

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