Robert Downey Jr: Here’s How ‘Iron Man’ Kept His Guilty Son From Going To Prison

Robert Downey Jr. was present in the courtroom early Friday morning to support his son, Indio, after pleading guilty to recent drug charges.

Since Indio Downey first got arrested two months ago, he has been spending time in a rehab facility — clearly by following the guidance and advice of his father, who has plenty of experience in this regard from his own drug-filled past.

In the courtroom, Indio Downey was able to present a letter of commendation from the rehab facility, which obviously impressed Judge Keith Schwartz more than Indio Downey and Robert Downey Jr. may have thought it would.

Here is exactly how Robert Downey Jr. played an instrumental role in the courtroom experience — in addition to simply being present in order to support his son.

At one point, Judge Schwartz made an inspirational comment to Indio Downey while discussing his decision on the case that gave a major shout-out to Robert Downey Jr. — also known as Tony Stark.

According to TMZ, Judge Schwartz stated, “I know in life people always look up to superheroes, but I think you might have contact or an inside as to one superhero — that’s Iron Man.”

Clearly, Judge Schwartz is an Iron Man fan. On the other hand, he might just be a huge fan of supportive fathers that are willing to stick by their children to guide them day after day, good times and bad. Ever since Indio first got arrested, it has been abundantly clear that Robert Downey Jr. kept his son as a top priority.

Tell me which guy will tatoo his son’s name on his body. #IndioDowney Get well soon pic.twitter.com/LksCwMyk7W

— This too shall pass (@eugennayap) July 5, 2014

Instead of spending more time promoting his new movie, The Judge, Robert Downey Jr. was in front of a real judge today on behalf of his son. Keep in mind that Indio submitted a guilty plea for the felony charge of cocaine possession. However, according to the Mirror, Judge Schwartz stated that the charge will be completely wiped from his criminal record in 18 months as long as Indio remains clean and sober, completes the program, and refuses to associate with anyone who has anything to do with drugs whatsoever.

Robert Downey Jr. had to feel like a “proud papa” in the courtroom today, especially after hearing that his son has a chance to basically erase this horrifying mistake — an opportunity that was not offered to Robert back in the day.

This entire experience might remind you of a popular quote from Robert Downey Jr., which was eventually turned into a viral meme that answers the question of whether or not he wants to be considered a hero to his son.

Do I want to be a hero to my son? No. I would like to be a very real human being. That’s hard enough!

We love you Indio. Wishing you well. #indiodowney #RobertDowneyJr pic.twitter.com/6HMMYG8BDJ — iamrdjgc (@rdj_gc) October 12, 2013

Well, Robert Downey, Jr… you make it look easy. But, of course, playing the role of a “genius, billionaire, playboy philanthropist” on the big screen can’t hurt either, can it?

[Image Credit: Mirror]