Indio Downey's Felony Cocaine Possession Conviction Dismissed

Indio Downey appeared in L.A.'s Courthouse Tuesday, where his felony cocaine possession conviction was dismissed. Reports confirm that Robert Downey Jr.'s elder son completed his diversion program and thanked the judge.

Robert Downey Jr.'s son Indio Downey, along with his famous father, appeared in a Los Angeles court this morning for the younger Downey's arraignment after he was charged with one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor count of possession of a smoking device.  The 20-year-old Hollywood offspring was arrested on June 29 after cops allegedly found him in possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia when he was pulled over in the West Hollywood-area around 2:20 p.m. Authorities said that Indio, the only person in what officers described as a suspicious vehicle, was allegedly under the influence of drugs when deputies contacted him.

According to Los Angeles District Attorney Spokesperson Richardo Santiago, Indio Downey pleaded guilty to count one of felony possession of cocaine and was ordered into an 18 month drug diversion program in which he has already enrolled. Count 2, possession of a smoking device, was dismissed. “If he successfully completes the program and obeys all laws the conviction will be dismissed,” Santiago said. The young musician's arraignment was originally scheduled for Aug. 29, but was delayed due to his time in treatment. His attorney, Blair Berk, said that her client has already stayed 70 days in a residential rehab program and intends to complete 20 more. 

Indio's father, who famously struggled with his own drug addiction until finally getting sober in 2001, also made an appearance in the courtroom to support his son, sitting directly behind Indio and his attorney.  The judge acknowledged his famous father's presence and even shared an anecdote from Iron Man as a source of inspiration. 

Following his son's arrest, the Iron Man star spoke out about Indio's struggles with substance abuse, saying in a statement, “Unfortunately there's a genetic component to addiction and Indio has likely inherited it. Also, there is a lot of family support and understanding, and we're all determined to rally behind him and help him become the man he's capable of being. We're grateful to the Sheriff's department for their intervention, and believe Indio can be another recovery success story instead of a cautionary tale”.