Sure, having a movie star father may have contributed to getting Cameron Douglas into this legal mess. But it also seems to have helped get him out of it.
Michael Douglas' son was sentenced to five years in prison today, just half of what is otherwise (like, for offenders without famous relatives) a minimum—yes, minimum—10-year term. But earlier today all parties agreed, on the record, that Douglas was not bound by mandatory minimums because he cooperated with authorities.
U.S. District Judge Richard Berman said the sentence was the 31-year-old's "last chance to make it," and the decision came down after papa Michael, gramps Kirk Douglas and stepmom Catherine Zeta-Jones each penned personal letters to the court asking for leniency. Guess it worked!
Douglas the younger, who had hoped to get off with just 41 months behind bars, was also ordered to pay $300,000 in fines. A court report put his net worth at $500,000.
Cameron pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to distribute drugs, specifically methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as heroin possession. Just prior to his sentencing, he read a statement to the court.
"I apologize to my family and loved ones for this nightmare and my behavior...to the court for my decisions and actions. I want to be a productive family member and role model for others to get advice, guidance and support and steer them in the right direction.
"I will not let myself be led astray by my false pretenses of my heroin addiction. I want to take the right path, the true path...within my reach. I squandered opportunities, missed opportunities. I miss being involved as an entertainer and putting a smile on people's faces and inspiring them. Things will be different this time. I have full support of my family. If I get another chance, I will not squander that opportunity."
Before handing down the sentence at the hourlong hearing, which was attended by Michael, the judge said he was not confident in Cameron's abilities to stay off drugs, but that he hoped he could.
"In my estimation, that will be a very difficult chore. I think this case and this sentencing may well be his last chance to make it."
—Additional reporting by Ashley Fultz
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Not everyone got off so easily—just take a look at the poor suckers, er, celebs in our Court Appearances gallery.