Kiefer Sutherland Gets 48 Days in Jail

Kiefer Sutherland is going to jail for a total of 48 days for his fourth DUI. The first 18 days are to be served immediately for probation violation, and another 30 days for which he must report to jail by July. Kiefer made a plea deal of "no contest" with prosecutors for a reduced sentence. E! Online reports:

In exchange for copping to a count of driving with a blood-alcohol level above 0.08 percent, prosecutors agreed to drop a second misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office spokesman Frank Mateljan told E! Online. Sutherland, 40, won’t be formally sentenced until Dec. 21.

To quell concerns over the continuation of 24 on FOX, they issued this statement:

Today our friend Kiefer Sutherland resolved his criminal case at the earliest opportunity. 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.

Kiefer himself issued this statement. E! Online reports:

“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 coworkers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox.”

This is why Kiefer is Jack Bauer. He doesn’t blame other people, whining how he’s a victim, or issuing excuses in press releases. He takes responsibility for his actions. Don’t worry though. A few well placed pillows on his bunk should fool the guards nicely, so he can spend his 48 days relaxing on a beach somewhere.