Brad Renfro pleaded not guilty Wednesday to attempted possession of heroin after being arrested for investigation of trying to buy the drug on Skid Row.
Renfro, 23, wearing a black suit and tie, entered the plea to the felony charge in Superior Court. He was ordered to return Feb. 23 to see if the case can be resolved without a trial.
The actor's lawyer said he hopes Renfro will be sent to a drug diversion program.
"He's looking forward to resolving it all as soon as possible so he can get back to acting," lawyer Richard Kaplan said.
Kaplan said Renfro is in drug treatment.
Renfro was arrested Dec. 22 during a police sting targeting drug dealing along downtown's Skid Row. He is free on $10,000 bail.
His screen credits include roles in the movies "Ghost World," "The Jacket" and "The Client."