LEIF GARRETT FACES ARRAIGNMENT ON DRUG CHARGES

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Former teen idol Leif Garrett, 37, made a surprise
appearance in a Los Angeles courtroom Thursday to find out if he can avoid
serving jail time for felony drug possession charges pending against him.

He was originally scheduled for arraignment at 8:30 a.m. Friday, but walked
into the downtown courthouse late Thursday, accompanied by his attorney.
They asked the court to order a report to determine Garrett's eligibility
for a drug diversion program, and the judge scheduled an Aug. 13 hearing.

Garrett, a child actor and teen singing sensation in the 1970s, was one of
several people arrested June 29 during a drug sting at an apartment building
known for drug activity, said Sandi Gibbons, spokeswoman for the District
Attorney's office.

He was charged July 2 on one felony count each of cocaine and heroin possession.

If Garrett is found to be eligible for the yearlong program that could
subject him to intensive counseling, testing and even living in a facility,
the charges won't appear on his record and he won't have to serve jail time.

The report's results are scheduled to be announced at the next hearing.
Garrett is free on $10,000 bail.

Garrett, who listed his occupation as a musician, appeared on TV shows such
as "The FBI" and "Gunsmoke" and recently finished work on a film called "Art
of the Bullet," scheduled for release next month.