GARY DOURDAN TAKES PLEA DEAL: Actor avoids lockdown on felony drug possession charges stemming from Palm Springs arrest.

Gary Dourdan managed to stay out of jail yesterday by pleading guilty to two of his three counts of felony drug possession stemming from an arrest last month in Palm Springs.The actor accepted one count each of cocaine and Ecstasy possession during Wednesday's arraignment in Indio, Calif; a third charge of heroin possession was dismissed. Under the plea deal, the "CSI" star avoided a possible three years and eight months behind bars. Instead, he must complete a series of drug-education courses by Nov. 20, 2009 as part of the court's diversion program."As a result of today's proceedings, Gary has been given diversion," his attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said outside the courthouse. "He very much regrets what happened, and he's very embarrassed by what occurred, but he's looking forward to moving on and getting back to work. He is very grateful to the court for being understanding and giving him an opportunity to resolve the issue and move forward."    Both of Dourdan's charges will be dismissed "as soon as he completes 30 hours of classes," Holley told E! News. Riverside District Attorney spokeswoman Ingrid Wyatt also told E! News that the actor will be required to pay a small fee as part of his restitution. Dourdan, 41, was arrested on April 28, when cops discovered him asleep at the wheel of his car, which was parked on the wrong side of the street. The drugs were found during a search of his vehicle. SOURCE:EURWEB