The 53-year-old actor pled no contest to misdemeanour driving under the influence (DUI) charges in July 2006 when he was arrested on suspicion of the offence when he infamously launched into an obscene anti-Semitic tirade against police but after serving his three-year probation period, filed last month to have the charges dismissed.
The paperwork from the September 21 filing was approved yesterday (06.07.09), but Judge Lawrence Mira noted that the conviction could still be used if the actor is charged with DUI again in the future or for gun control purposes.
Following the incident, Mel was placed on probation and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine. He attended a 12-step programme for 11 months, underwent an alcohol abuse education course, and also handed over his driver’s licence for 90 days as part of his rehabilitation.
He met with Jewish leaders to discuss his tirade and has since apologised for the remarks he made to the deputy sheriff who made the arrest.