Michael Douglas says his family's fame and history of substance abuse helped drive his son into drug addiction and crime in New York.
The Academy Award-winning actor has asked a federal judge in a handwritten letter to show leniency toward Cameron Douglas at a sentencing set for Tuesday.
Michael Douglas says he's not blind to his son's actions, but in his words: "I don't want to see him break."
Cameron Douglas was arrested in July 2009 at a Manhattan hotel. He has admitted dealing methamphetamine and cocaine. The 31-year-old pleaded guilty in January to a drug charge that carries a mandatory 10 years in prison. His lawyers are arguing for less.
Michael Douglas' letter points to relatives' drug and alcohol problems and "the pressure of finding your own identity with a famous father."