Drug charges against 'West Wing' creator dismissed

Wednesday December 18, 2002

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) A court commissioner dismissed drug possession charges against ``West Wing'' creator Aaron Sorkin on Wednesday following his completion of a drug rehabilitation program.

Superior Court Commissioner Kirkland R. Nyby made the ruling during a five-minute hearing. Sorkin was not present.

A probation report recommended that the charges be dismissed.

Outside of court, Sorkin attorney Steve Sitkoff said his client has continued to work on the award-winning NBC drama from his Burbank office while receiving outpatient treatment.

``He's trying to win another Emmy for his show,'' Sitkoff added.

``Here's how he said it: He can stand straight in his life now ... for the first time in a long time, he feels real good about himself,'' Sitkoff said.

Sorkin, 41, has acknowledged past treatment for a cocaine addiction. He was bound for Las Vegas when he was arrested April 15, 2001, at Burbank Airport after rock cocaine, marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms were found in his bag.

Sorkin pleaded guilty in June 19, 2001 to a misdemeanor and two felony counts. He was ordered to complete a treatment program of counseling and drug tests or risk up to three years and eight months in prison and a $10,000 fine.

(Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)