DOWNEY'S SENTENCE: A YEAR AT REHAB CENTER

Robert Downey Jr. wrapped up his latest legal troubles Monday as he pleaded
no contest to two drug charges in an agreement that will keep him out of
prison but require him to stay at his live-in Malibu drug rehabilitation
program for a year.

Downey stood briefly during the 15-minute hearing at the Larson Justice
Center in Indio, Calif. When asked if he understood the terms of his plea
of no contest to one felony count of possessing cocaine and one misdemeanor
count of being under the influence of a controlled substance, he said, "I
am well aware, your honor." The charges stemmed from his arrest over
Thanksgiving weekend at a Palm Springs resort.

The actor left the courthouse through a crush of reporters, not speaking as
he climbed into a vehicle, presumably for the 150-mile drive back to the
Wavelength International rehab center.

"Mr. Downey would like it to be known that he is very appreciative of the
fact the state of California is now treating his problem as an illness and
not a crime," defense attorney James Epstein said outside the courthouse.
"His spirits are excellent. He's very motivated. He's hopeful he can
overcome this problem."

Downey has been living in the 24-hour rehab residence after drug
detoxification at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center earlier this year. His move
was controversial because some of his doctors and lawyers felt he was
leaving a strict program for a less rigorous one run by his longtime counselor.

Last week, Downey received an Emmy nomination for his role on Ally McBeal.
His attorneys said Downey could undertake acting jobs while in rehab but at
present wants to concentrate on his recovery. Any such jobs would have to
be approved by authorities and carefully supervised.

Downey remains under supervision and is subject to random drug tests and
unannounced visits by his parole officers. He has opted to wear an
electronic tracking device.