Robert Downey Jr. gets Christmas Eve pardon for drug conviction
(Photo: Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY)
Robert Downey Jr. received an early Christmas present Thursday: a full pardon for his 1996 conviction on drug-related charges.
The Iron Man star and Oscar nominee was one of 91 people to receive a pardon from California Gov. Jerry Brown. All of the recipients have gone more than a decade without further criminal issues, "have demonstrated exemplary behavior and have lived productive and law-abiding lives," according to a press release announcing the pardons.
A pardon does not expunge the conviction or seal criminal records, but it restores citizenship rights, acknowledges "a productive and law-abiding life following conviction" and is considered "an honor," according to an explanation of the action on the California governor's website.
According to Brown's pardon statement, Downey, 50, applied for executive clemency in relation to his 1996 conviction on charges of "possession of a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle with a prior conviction, driving under the influence with priors and use or under the influence of a controlled substance." The actor served 15 months in prison, the pardon says. Counting probation and parole, he completed his sentence in 2002.
Downey's drug issues were a big news story at the time, but he was able to get sober and rebuild a successful acting career.
The pardon notes a court-issued Certificate of Rehabilitation that concludes since Downey's "release from custody, he has lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen." It further states that Downey "has paid his debt to society and earned a full and unconditional pardon."
Christmas Eve pardons have become a tradition for Brown, who issued 105 last year at this time. Most are related to non-violent, drug-related offenses.
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