Poundstone allowed to travel for performances
Comedian Paula Poundstone had little to say to a judge Wednesday when he released her from the Promises drug and alcohol treatment center in Malibu after a six-month stay.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bernard Kamins praised Poundstone, a Santa Monica resident, for her progress in the effort to stay sober. Kamins released her from the Malibu drug and alcohol rehabilitation center where she was sentenced after pleading no contest to child endangerment. She went home after the court hearing.
“You have remained abstinent and have done all the other tasks I asked you to do,” Kamins told Poundstone during a hearing. “Today is really a day for commendation rather than to bite you.”
“Today is really a day for commendation rather than to bite you.” — — BERNARD KAMINS LA County Superior court judge
He also commended her for attending last week’s session of drug court to see how the county program works for other people who are addicted to drugs and alcohol.
“People just like you were there, from all walks of life,” Kamins told Poundstone.
Poundstone, who has blamed her problems on drinking, was asked by Kamins how she felt about her treatment.
“Fine,” she said softly, declining to share further feelings. Poundstone spent much of the proceedings shaking her right leg quickly, with about a half dozen friends and supporters sitting behind her.
With the judge’s encouragement she added, “I feel fine.”
The judge also sentenced Poundstone to a day in jail for violating probation but credited it as time served.
The comedian actually spent a half-day in jail last month for taking an unspecified medication that wasn’t part of her rehab program.
Prosectors haven’t discussed the nature of the alleged actions that led to charges against Poundstone, 41. Her attorney, Steven Cron, has said that in one instance witnesses believed she appeared intoxicated while driving with children.
Poundstone will receive counseling one or two days a week and a psychiatrist will monitor her medication. She also will be allowed to travel to performances.
“I’m going to do this for you,” Kamins said. “Now that you have proven yourself, you may leave up to three days at a time as long as you tell your probation officer beforehand.”
For longer periods, Poundstone would have to get the judge’s permission. Kamins expressed concern about “temptations” Poundstone may face on the road.
He told her attorney and the prosecutor to come up with a monitoring plan.
“It’s really more for her to have a support person, someone she can check with,” Kamins said. He also scheduled a progress report for Feb. 20.
Prosecutor Gina Satriano said outside court she hoped monitoring would help.
“The more assistance that Ms. Poundstone has, gives her the better chance to succeed,” Satriano said.
Cron said Poundstone was happy to go home.
“I think she’s glad that it’s over. She spent a long time in a rehab center that is normally designed for shorter periods of stay. She’s ready to go,” he said. “She does-n’t have complete freedom to do what she wants, but she isn’t confined.”
Asked whether or not Poundstone’s troubles will end now that the criminal charges are over, Cron said: “I don’t think this whole experience will help her professionally.”
Cron said Poundstone’s three adopted children will have monitored visits but they will not be allowed to stay with her for the time being. He said family court will decide the future of the children. She also will have to submit to random drug tests while on probation and perform community service work.
Poundstone, who also had two foster children until her June 27 arrest in Malibu, pleaded no-contest Sept. 12 to felony child endangerment and misdemeanor inflicting injury on a child. She was sentenced in October to 180 days at the Promises center, including 125 days she had already voluntarily spent there, and five years of probation.
Criminal counts alleging lewd conduct with a child were dropped.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 6, 2001. Read the original PDF.