Douglas appeals ten years for drug crimes

Actor Michael Douglas (L) and his son Cameron pose as they arrive for the premiere of their new film "It Runs In The Family" in this file photo taken in Los Angeles, California, April 7, 2003. Cameron Douglas, the son of Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas, has been arrested on drug charges, media reports and authorities said on Monday. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/Files (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Actor Michael Douglas (L) and his son Cameron pose as they arrive for the premiere of their new film "It Runs In The Family" in this file photo taken in Los Angeles, California, April 7, 2003. Cameron Douglas, the son of Oscar-winning actor Michael Douglas, has been arrested on drug charges, media reports and authorities said on Monday. REUTERS/Fred Prouser/Files (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT CRIME LAW SOCIETY)

Published Dec 19, 2012

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A lawyer for the son of actor Michael Douglas hopes to convince a New York appeals court that he shouldn't have to spend a decade in prison for drug crimes.

Attorney Paul Shechtman says a 4½-year sentence given to Cameron Douglas that was added to a 5-year prison term he was already serving is “shockingly long.” The sentence was added after a drug infraction in prison. But prosecutors say the sentence is reasonable, given the many times Douglas has broken his word to feed a drug and alcohol abuse addiction that stretches to when he was 13.

Shechtman says Cameron Douglas began selling drugs after his father sharply limited his access to family money because he wouldn't enter a drug rehabilitation program.

Arguments on the case are set for Wednesday. - Sapa-AP

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