Judge Seeks Settlement in Downey Case

INDIO, Calif. (AP) â€” The judge in actor Robert Downey Jr.'s drug case has encouraged attorneys to try to reach a settlement prior to a hearing scheduled for next month. <br><br>Downey is charged

Tuesday, January 30th 2001, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

INDIO, Calif. (AP) â€” The judge in actor Robert Downey Jr.'s drug case has encouraged attorneys to try to reach a settlement prior to a hearing scheduled for next month.

Downey is charged with possession of cocaine and a tranquilizer, and faces more than four years in prison if convicted.

His case is being handled under a court program for expediting drug cases.

During a brief hearing Monday, Superior Court Judge B.J. Bjork agreed to a defense request to postpone proceedings until Feb. 21 to allow more time for gathering and examining evidence.

``Let's try to resolve it at the 21st of February,'' the judge said.

Downey was present but spoke only to say he agreed to the delay.

Downey, 35, was arrested on Nov. 25 at a Palm Springs hotel. He had been released from prison in August after serving about a year for violating probation on previous drug arrests dating to 1996.

Deputy District Attorney Tamara L. Capone said negotiations for a plea bargain were continuing.

``We're just trying to figure out what's best for Mr. Downey,'' the prosecutor said.

Defense attorney Daniel Brookman said he was concerned about aspects of the case. ``I think the nature of the arrest itself has not been a typical circumstance,'' he said.