Ryan O'Neal has been given a boost as he mourns the loss of his longtime girlfriend Farrah Fawcett - a California judge has promised to dismiss drug possession charges against him.

A Malibu Superior Court Judge told the actor on Friday he was a model citizen during a progress report hearing related to his arrest in January for possession of a controlled substance.

O'Neal pleaded guilty to possession, stemming from a September 2008 incident when he was arrested alongside his son, Redmond O’Neal, after authorities found methamphetamines during a search at his home.

Father and son were charged with felony drug possession in November.

O'Neal Sr, 67, was ordered to complete a drug program.

At Friday's hearing, the judge told the actor that he would dismiss the case if O'Neal had completed his drug program by his next hearing in a year.

And there's more good news for the actor - Redmond, who is serving time in a jail drug treatment program, is doing well.

Outside court, his dad said, "We have high hopes for Redmond."