Sutherland Gets '48' for Drunken Driving

By DAISY NGUYEN,

Posted: 2007-12-06 08:57:59

Filed Under: Celebrity News, Star Scandals, TV News

LOS ANGELES (Dec. 6) - Kiefer Sutherland was sentenced Wednesday to 48 days in jail for racking up a second drunken-driving arrest in three years and immediately reported to a city lockup. The star of the Fox TV drama "24" was being processed at the Glendale city jail, said Officer John Balian.

Sutherland, 40, who pleaded no contest in October to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08, appeared in court with his attorney and politely answered the judge's questions, said Assistant City Attorney Dan Jeffries.

Booking Photo From AP

His request to serve his time at the Glendale city jail was granted and he was ordered to complete the sentence by March 30, Jeffries said.

"Kiefer made the decision to surrender to custody immediately," his attorney, Blair Berk, told The Associated Press.

He could have waited as late as Feb. 12.

The actor was already on probation for a 2004 drunken-driving arrest when he was stopped by police as he left a Hollywood industry party at the trendy Area nightclub on Sept. 25. Authorities said he failed a field sobriety test after being pulled over for making an illegal U-turn.

Sutherland had also pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor DUI charge in 2004. He was sentenced in that case to five years' probation, 50 hours of community service and ordered to attend an alcohol treatment program. Authorities said he fulfilled the community service and alcohol treatment obligations.

He was also convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving in 1993, according to the city attorney's office.

"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," Sutherland said in a statement issued after he entered his plea in the latest case.

Sutherland, who plays dashing federal counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer on "24," won an Emmy for best actor last year.

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Verne Troyer reached a settlement on Friday that ensures that the sex tape his now ex-girlfriend made when they were still a couple will not be distributed.

Under the terms of his plea, he also must serve five years of probation, pay a $510 fine, enroll in an 18-month alcohol-education class and attend weekly alcohol-therapy sessions for six months, Jeffries said.

He could have been sentenced to as much as a year and a half in jail if convicted.

Sutherland will serve his sentence at Glendale city jail, but under a county jail inmate program because of overcrowding, Jeffries said. He must serve all 48 days.

The Glendale jail is a minimum security facility with 48 cells, each of them measuring 10 feet by 8 feet. They come equipped with two beds, a toilet, washbasin and water fountain, but Sutherland won't be sharing his cell with anyone.

"Anyone here for a long period of time will get their own cell," Balian said.

The actor is classified as an "inmate worker" and will be required to perform duties in the laundry room and help prepare food for inmates in the kitchen area.

"He'll be working here for 48 days," Balian said.

Sutherland will also have access to an outdoor area and be allowed two visitors per day.

Associated Press Entertainment Writer Sandy Cohen contributed to this report.

Copyright 2008 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. All active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.

2007-12-05 21:31:09

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48 comments

JudMacB 02:48:48 PM Dec 07 2007

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I believe that Keifer Sutherland accepted responsibility for his indescretions. THAT is a big difference in the "girls" getting out of jail time. Alcohol goes with the territory, and, if you drink socially, you should hire a cab or driver to take you from A to B. If you need to blow off steam, or feel free of responsibility, go to the woods and run, when you're sober. I love Keifer Sutherland, and more now, knowing he's a real solid human being!

Rozee1875 10:55:00 AM Dec 07 2007

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3 convictions since 1993.... hmmm. Britney Lindsey and Nicole... every week! Put the gals in jail too or the justice system look like idiots.

HitleryClintoon 10:38:17 AM Dec 07 2007

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ted kennedy has been driving drunk to the us senate for 44 years

mada4 10:17:21 AM Dec 07 2007

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Why won't he get out like the girls? How wrong does that look in law enforcement...they talk about overcrowding...maybe I'm wrong but I would think there's alot more males in jail than women!

wweebles 09:23:00 AM Dec 07 2007

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maybe they will reduce it to 48 hours
or 48 minutes for being good looking

Sexy53man 07:12:43 AM Dec 07 2007

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Why didnt they let him out like Paris and Lindsey?

Djschaut 04:37:12 AM Dec 07 2007

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Why don't these celebs use drivers? If I had the money, the first thing I would do is hire a permanent driver to drive me everywhere--not just out to parties.

Wkarma 02:29:19 AM Dec 07 2007

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For the majority that voted that 48 days was "just right" - are you crazy. Ok,, he blew a .08, I think .07 is the cut off, for blood alcohol test. Does the punishment fit the crime. I guess you have to be blond with **** to get 2 day sentences.

Wkarma 02:29:00 AM Dec 07 2007

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mikleorhan 01:41:41 AM Dec 07 2007

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Many friends I met on a site called pubspa say that he should get the punishment. I met these friends there because we have the same interest - massage. We usually talk together. We can also share blogs, music and games. What's more, it is free to become a member.

Bobsouthpark 12:14:56 AM Dec 07 2007

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sutherland appears to be very aware that he has some important personal issues. I'm impressed with the way he's handling himself. I would have expected arrogant behavior and high-priced lawyers and I find myself pleasantly dissappointed.
Best wishes to Mr.Sutherland in his struggle for selfmastery...

Lisakirbyville 11:45:21 PM Dec 06 2007

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While I think it's very admirable of Kiefer to own up to his mistakes, I do agree that he should do the same time as everyone else, unless of course, your name is Paris or Lindsay. But it's sad that he's going to be in jail during his birthday and the holidays. I know he's tough and he will get through it. I hope he takes all the advice he's given and turns this experience into something that he learned from.

I Love ROL 10:48:15 PM Dec 06 2007

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PDquickk34, you're forgetting he's a white man, so it's more like 3 minutes

I Love ROL 10:46:52 PM Dec 06 2007

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Why do the Hollywood Studios put up with this behavior? Why do they let criminals work for them? If this was the Golden Age of Cinema all of these little bar-fly criminals would have been run out of town. I say, fire this man and let it be an example for all of Young Hollywood. You are not entitled to this life! It is a privilege! And if you break the law you lose that privilege!

Lornesaiher 09:29:03 PM Dec 06 2007

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Most importantly Keifer is being responsible for his actions which is a rarity. There are consequences to each and every decision we all make on a daily basis. It takes character to face wrong consequences and it can make us a better person. As people are quick to judge others, God says all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, but if we repent and ask God for his forgiveness excepting his son Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior then the Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome whatever temptation we struggle with! No one is perfect. Love covers a multitude of sins when we forgive one another. Kiefer, you can conquer alchohols hold on your life. I hope to continue enjoying your show 24 and the talent you bring to the character of Jack Bauer. Your friend Lorne Saiher

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48 comments