Actor Brad Renfro was ordered into a drug rehabilitation programme after a court appearance on Monday when he pleaded guilty to attempted possession of heroin.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Dorothy Reyes made the decision after reviewing Renfro's case.
Under California law, non-violent offenders can avoid doing time if a judge so decides.
If Renfro successfully completes the terms of his sentence, the charge will be dropped.
The 23-year-old actor was arrested in December for trying to buy heroin during a police sting in downtown Los Angeles.
Renfro made his film debut aged just 12 in 1994 thriller 'The Client' with co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Susan Sarandon.
