Robert Downey Jr. Pardoned For 1996 Drug Conviction

ADVERTISEMENTThe pardon notes that the actor was convicted for possessing a controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle with a prior conviction, driving under the influence with a prior conviction and use of a controlled substance. The pardon does not erase records of a conviction, but it does restore the person’s voting rights.

A proclamation from Mr Brown’s office says Downey Jr has “lived an honest and upright life, exhibited good moral character, and conducted himself as a law-abiding citizen”.

It also states Downey “has paid his debt to society and earned a full and unconditional pardon”.

Brown has issued hundreds of pardons in each of his four terms in office, mostly around the holidays.

The then 31-year-old Downey Jr was arrested on narcotics charge in 1996, he passed out in a neighbour’s bedroom which he mistook for his apartment in Malibu.

The two-time Oscar nominee plays the man in the iron suit in a series of Disney/Marvel movies, Iron Man and The Avengers. Police found heroin, cocaine, and an unloaded.

Downey, Jr. was one of 91 convicts granted clemency by Gov. Brown on Thursday.

In a statement today, a spokesman said: ‘The individuals granted pardons all completed their sentences and have been released from custody for more than a decade without further criminal activity. By starring in several blockbuster movies following his drug conviction and probation violation, due to his desire to leave the days of his drug usage behind him, Downey has definitely demonstrated that he has been “rehabilitated”, and has changed his life around.