Sutherland to Do Jail Time on DUI Charge

By RAQUEL MARIA DILLON,

Posted: 2007-10-10 15:08:12

Filed Under: Celebrities in Court, Star Scandals, TV News

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 10) - Kiefer Sutherland pleaded no contest Tuesday in his drunken driving case and will begin serving a 48-day jail sentence while his Fox TV drama "24" begins its winter production break in December.

The show's star agreed to serve 30 days for driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08 percent, as well as 18 days for violating his probation for a 2004 drunken driving case, according to court records.

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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.

The actor was not in the courtroom and his attorney, Blair Berk, entered the plea agreement. A second misdemeanor charge, driving under the influence, was dropped. The charges stemmed from a traffic stop in Los Angeles last month.

As part of the arrangement, Sutherland must also enroll in an 18-month alcohol-education class and attend weekly alcohol-therapy sessions for six months.

"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," Sutherland said in a statement.

While early releases have been granted to others, including celebrities, because of jail crowding and other concerns, Sutherland must serve all of his time, according to the plea agreement. The sheriff also was specifically ordered to not release Sutherland to electronic monitoring.

The 40-year-old actor will officially be sentenced Dec. 21, when he must begin serving the 18 days in the county jail. It also is the same day his show begins its winter production break.

Sutherland then will have until July 1, 2008, to serve the remaining 30 days in jail. He will be on probation for five years and faces fines and a driving suspension, according to court documents.

The actor's plea arrangement ensures that production of "24" will not be interrupted, Fox officials said in a statement.

"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," the statement said.

"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," it said.

Kiefer Sutherland Snapshots

LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 16: (FILE PHOTO) Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California. Sutherland was arrested early morning for a misdemeanor drunk driving charge September 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
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Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the FOX Fall Eco-Casino Party in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the FOX Fall Eco-Casino Party in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
AP
Actor Kiefer Sutherland and Actress Ali Larter during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14816255), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland and Actress Ali Larter during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14813438), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland and Actress Ali Larter during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14813435), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Ali Larter, Actor Robert Duvall and Actor Kiefer Sutherland during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14813434), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland and Actress Ali Larter during the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California.The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Show.Shrine Festival.Los Angeles , CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com..To license this image (14813428), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the 59th Primetime Emmy Awards Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)
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Actor Kiefer Sutherland poses in the press room at the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium on September 16, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..The 59th Primetime EMMY Awards - Press Room.Shrine Auditorium.Los Angeles, CA USA.September 16, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (14814131), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Out and About in Hollywood

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actors Stana Katic (L) and Morgan Freeman talk at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actors Stana Katic (L) and Morgan Freeman talk at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Stana Katic arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Stana Katic arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Stana Katic arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Shannon Lucio arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Shannon Lucio arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Stana Katic arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actress Stana Katic arrives at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Getty Images
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Actor Morgan Freeman (L) and his wife Myrna Colley-Lee arrive at the premiere of MGM's "Feast of Love" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on September 25, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
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Miley Cyrus Snapshots

Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party at Vibiana on Sepember 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party - Red Carpet.Vibiana.Los Angeles, California United States.September 20, 2007.Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com..To license this image (14847053), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party at Vibiana on Sepember 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party - Red Carpet.Vibiana.Los Angeles, California United States.September 20, 2007.Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com..To license this image (14847052), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party at Vibiana on Sepember 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party - Red Carpet.Vibiana.Los Angeles, California United States.September 20, 2007.Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com..To license this image (14847050), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party at Vibiana on Sepember 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party - Red Carpet.Vibiana.Los Angeles, California United States.September 20, 2007.Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com..To license this image (14847048), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
WireImage.com
Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party at Vibiana on Sepember 20, 2007 in Los Angeles, California..Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party - Red Carpet.Vibiana.Los Angeles, California United States.September 20, 2007.Photo by Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com..To license this image (14845739), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Dan Steinberg)
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Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
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Miley Cyrus arrives at the Teen Vogue Young Hollywood Party in Los Angeles on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
AP
Actor Billy Ray Cyrus arrives at the premiere of "High School Musical 2" at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort on August 14, 2007 in Anaheim, California..Disney's "High School Musical 2" World Premiere - Arrivals.Downtown Disney.Anaheim, CA USA.August 14, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (14792689), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Actor Billy Ray Cyrus arrives at the premiere of "High School Musical 2" at the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort on August 14, 2007 in Anaheim, California..Disney's "High School Musical 2" World Premiere - Arrivals.Downtown Disney.Anaheim, CA USA.August 14, 2007.Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com..To license this image (14792688), contact WireImage:.U.S. 1-212-686-8900 / U.K. 44-207-868-8940 / Australia 61-2-8262-9222 / Germany 49-40-320-05521 / Japan: 81-3-5464-7020. 1 212-686-8901 (fax).info@wireimage.com (e-mail).www.wireimage.com (web site)
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Sutherland also has a 1993 conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving, according to the city attorney's office.

He won a best actor Emmy last year for his performance as dashing federal counter-terrorist agent Jack Bauer on "24."

AP 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.

2007-10-10 07:15:37

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903 comments

JenniferJonse28 04:57:05 AM Oct 12 2007

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I noticed her at one big site, it seems that is BillionaireCupid.com. Sorry. I forget the username. I will check if this is true. I will tell you the results soon.

bnccshaw 11:28:33 PM Oct 11 2007

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its obvious, that money talks and they walk, i drive drinking,they would not cut me no slack, orange uniform out in 2 days ,and better not see ya in my courtroom again, like they will remember me unless they read the paperwork, however they do reconize them, the celebes GEEZ, thats just the way it is, judges as well as lawyers, are the bettter crooks than we are, and making the BIG bucks, but however they have the license to STEAL, just the way it is, kinda like pawn shops?? License to steal and get away with it , it SUCKS, BB

mamnrv 12:17:39 PM Oct 11 2007

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There is the justice system, and then there is the justice system for the rich and famous. 2 different systems entirely!! Only in America. It shouldn't matter especially when someone is definitely guilty and there is no room for suspicion. They should serve the same time as same punishment as everyone else!! When will we see "JUSTICE" ??

sodapopaddict 11:03:06 AM Oct 11 2007

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If Keif was big enough of a man, he should've admitted that he was too dumb and cheap to hire a driver in the first place.

sodapopaddict 11:01:40 AM Oct 11 2007

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6 months jail time for Michelle Rodriguez is still too soft for a criminal like her; she needs a year or two to contemplate her ways.

sodapopaddict 11:00:08 AM Oct 11 2007

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I can only guess that maybe its not fashionable in Hollywood for celebrities to be seen with a chauffeur; in their eyes, it must be better to be seen as a DUI offender. Goes to show that they may got looks but absolutely no brains!
That "Lost" actress Michelle Rodriguez so look like a freaking hardened criminal. Oh My Bad! She is a criminal! The Law should make it mandatory for all the deviates charged with DUI wear ankle bracelets and bright orage t-shirt with the word "I'm a LOSER" on it.

joibcs 10:42:31 AM Oct 11 2007

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stop bad mouthing the man, at least he is big enough to own up to the fact that he made a mistake and is willing to except the consequences.

cnetwow 10:25:44 AM Oct 11 2007

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what a stupid thing your doing yo ypur life where infact you would be one of those big stars someday. Michelle, did you ever posted your profile to a celebrity and millioniare dating site called wealthymingle.com? My bro said he saw you there few days ago.

judy31790 09:43:47 AM Oct 11 2007

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i am so tired of this bulls___ , i think the regular working class should scream discrimination if we get pulled over and basicly get life in jail for the same things they ARE getting away with now. I agree hes doing right by the people he works with, but would we have that a choice of time to go to jail?????and we are trying to feed and clothe our love ones------guess that makes no difference anymore money buys freedom. our fore-fathers are rolling in there graves. god help us working class.....

houseofmarquis 09:04:18 AM Oct 11 2007

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we as a country put our people in JAIL!! more than any other countryt on earth it has become the land of the cops, home of the taxed.,.bull s h i t!! ihome of the haters, land of the bud-light drinkers ..etc etc etc its Very Very SICK!!

Slick Stammie 09:00:45 AM Oct 11 2007

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FREE IPODS CHECK IT OUT IT WORKSSS
http://ipods.freepay.com/?r=40673852

dimats333 08:57:55 AM Oct 11 2007

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Glad to see some common sense judges out there, now hopefully these spoiled actors will actually do the set time and not get some early release on some technical or personal matter. You guys are just like the rest of us.

rrlink1 08:39:16 AM Oct 11 2007

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There are not many men who stand by thier word today. I admire his character. He could have pulled the usual Hollywood crap, but instead he did the right thing. He also protected the jobs of the people he works with.

Stand tall, Mr. Sutherland

royjones2 08:00:37 AM Oct 11 2007

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As usual the justice system doesn't make him suffer, because he is a celebrety. They wouldn't let you and I take a year and choose not only our sentencing dat, but our jail dates. It is no accident that the sentencing date is the first day of his production break. And we wonder why these people never grow up and become responsible citizens?