New England Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur will have a misdemeanor drug possession charge dismissed if he stays out of trouble, a New York State judge ruled Tuesday.

Kaczur, 28, pleaded guilty to speeding after reaching a deal with prosecutors in connection with an April incident near Utica, N.Y. Justice Stanley Wolanin said the drug possession charge will be on hold for six months.

The Brantford, Ont., native was also ordered to pay $355 US in fines and court fees.

"We are pleased with this disposition," said Louis Viviani, a Syracuse lawyer who represented Kaczur at the 10-minute hearing. Kaczur, who was accompanied by his wife, had no comment.

Kaczur had more than 200 OxyContin pills in his possession when he was pulled over for speeding by state troopers on April 27, according to police reports. The maximum sentence for the charge is one year in prison.

Kaczur denied a June report in the Boston Globe that he had cooperated with U.S. federal authorities who were targeting the alleged distributor of the painkiller.

Daniel Ekasala of Saugas, Mass., pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court in Boston on June 4 to three counts of possession of oxycodone with intent to distribute.

Kaczur, an offensive tackle who played at the University of Toledo, has started 35 games for the Patriots over the past three seasons.

While a deal has been reached legally, Kaczur could still face disciplinary action from the NFL head office.

With files from the Associated Press

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