Gary Dourdan makes plea deal, avoids jail

Former 'CSI' star Gary Dourdan, 41, pled guilty to two out of his three counts of felony drug possession - one count each of Ecstasy and cocaine possession, and one count of heroin possession was dismissed - this morning, but he avoided having to serve any jail time.

"Once Gary completes 30 hours of a diversion program, his case will be entirely dismissed," lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley told The Associated Press in an e-mail. "There is no jail time involved."

Although the actor faced up to three years and eight months in prison, he will only have to complete the court's diversion program, which entails the completion of a series of drug-education courses. He has until Nov. 20, 2009 to finish his part of the plea agreement, and then the convictions may be dismissed.

"As a result of today's proceedings, Gary has been given diversion," Holly said outside the courthouse. "He very much regrets what happened, and he's very embarrassed by what occurred, but he's looking forward to moving on and getting back to work.

"He is very grateful to the court for being understanding and giving him an opportunity to resolve the issue and move forward."

Ingrid Wyatt, spokeswoman for the Riverside District Attorney's office, told E! News that Dourdan will also have to pay a small fee as part of his restitution.

Dourdan was present for the Indio, Calif. hearing, although he did not speak to reporters. He was arrested April 28 in Palm Springs after police found him sleeping in his car, which was parked on the wrong side of the road with the interior light on.

The actor was charged with felony possession of heroin, cocaie and Ecstasy following a search of his vehicle, and he was released on $5,000 bail. Shortly thereafter, Dourdan denied the drugs were his.

The long-time 'CSI' star also opted not to renew his contract for the popular show. His character, Warrick Brown, was killed on the season finale.

Gary Dourdan apologizes for arrest

An email CSI star Gary Dourdan sent to his Access Hollywood pal Shaun Robinson, apologizing for his recent arrest for possession of narcotics and dangerous drugs, made its way onto the Internet.

Dourdan was arrested in the early morning hours of April 29 when a Palms Spring police officer found the actor asleep behind the wheel, parked on a California roadside. A search of the car found a cache of drugs, including cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy and several prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia.

"Obviously I certainly wish I hadn't been responsible for so many people getting to the [Coachella music] festival's VIP area," Dourdan wrote, referring to the concert he had attended prior to the arrest. "And the after party, it ran me ragged, but I'm glad pulling over did prevent a DUI. I recommend not driving at all, but a little kip [nap] is always good (on either side of the road LOL)."

Dourdan also said the illegal items found in the car did not belong to him.

"I am blessed that the [arresting] Sgt. realized that the luggage carrying whatever they found was not mine and that my tests have been coming back negative," he added. "I've been happy to cooperate in any way to clear myself and go on with my blessed life."

The actor also apologized to fans, particularly country music star Taylor Swift, who said CSI is a favorite show of hers. Dourdan had planned to present Swift an award at Hollywood Life Magazine's 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards.

"I am so sorry to all my fans, especially the young ones, like Taylor Swift, who I should've been supporting with my daughter instead of driving tired in the desert,” Dourdan wrote. "I am planning events to get the word out that you don't need a bunch of nasty chemicals to have a good time. Just good friends, family, good music and a good honest spirit full of faith."

CSI Star Arrested

Gary Dourdan, the forty-one-year-old CSI regular, was arrested in Palm Springs for drug possession on Monday.

According to Access Hollywood, the police found a car parked on the wrong side of the road where it was assumed the driver was sleeping inside. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer discovered Dourdan “disoriented and possibly under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.”

A search of the car revealed various drugs including: cocaine, Ecstasy, and heroin. The actor was jailed for five hours before he was released on a $5,000 bail.

At the beginning of April, it was reported that Dourdan will not be returning to CSI once his contract with CBS expires in May.

Is 'Warrick' leaving CSI?

Actor Gary Dourdan, who plays Warrick Brown on CSI, is reportedly leaving after his contract expires in May. According to TVGuide.com's Michael Ausiello, Dourdan already told producers he will not renew the contract.

"We can't confirm or deny this information," CBS told Access Hollywood. According to TVguide.com, the producers are already looking for a replacement and a new series regular to play a "handsome, smart and athletic" new investigator," Ray Santoro.

If the reports are accurate, then Dourdan's departure will come on the heels of Jorja Fox's, who left in November.