Kiefer Sutherland is set to spend 48 days in jail.
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The 24 star pleaded guilty to DUI (driving under the influence) yesterday (09.10.07) and agreed to serve 30 days for his DUI conviction and 18 days for violating his probation following a separate drink driving arrest in 2004.
Kiefer was stopped by police on 25 September after making an illegal U-turn in Hollywood. When his blood alcohol level was found to be over the 0.08 per cent he was arrested.
In a statement, the father-of-two said: “I’m very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I’m deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and
co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox.”
Kiefer will be taken to a County Jail when he is officially sentenced on 21 December, to immediately start serving his 18-day sentence.
He will have until 1 July next year to serve the remaining 30 days, so it will not interfere with filming on his Emmy award-winning TV show 24 – in which he plays Counter Terrorist Unit Agent Jack Bauer.
A statement from the show’s makers 20th Century Fox read: “Kiefer made clear to us at the time of his arrest that his first concern was the welfare of those he worked with and that he intended to do whatever was necessary to prevent shutting down the show because of his situation.
“He told us that even if he had to sacrifice more time in custody in order to protect the show and the jobs of those who work with him, he would do so. From what occurred today, it is evident he is a man of his word. We wish him well and look forward to a long relationship with him.”
In addition to jail time, the 40-year-old actor must enrol on a 18-month alcohol education course and attend weekly alcohol counselling sessions for six months. He will also be on probation for five years.
Unlike celebrities including Nicole Richie and Paris Hilton, Kiefer will serve the entirety of his sentence – as specified in the plea agreement.
Kiefer’s arrest in September was his fourth arrest for DUI. In 1989, he was arrested for DUI and carrying a concealed and loaded weapon, but was only charged with DUI.
In 1993, he was arrested again for DUI, and performed 211 hours of community service, after being given the option of the community service or 12 days in jail.
In 2004, he pleaded guilty to one charge of DUI, completed 50 hours of community service, and attended an alcohol treatment programme. He was also sentenced to 60 months of probation, which he violated.
