Kiefer Sutherland pleaded “no contest” in October and was sentenced on Wednesday to 48 days in jail, which he asked to start serving immediately.
By Jonathan Zipper
HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 12/6/07 – “24” star Kiefer Sutherland began serving a 48 day jail sentence, which he received in response to his second DUI arrest in three years, on Wednesday.
In October, Sutherland pleaded “no contest” and a judge recommended a 30 day sentence. The Los Angeles attorney’s office then requested an additional 18 days. A judge granted the Emmy-winner’s request to serve at the Glendale city jail.
City jails are different than state prisons as inmates have some creature comforts like a personal cell, books and pillows and less contact with hardened criminals and exposure to danger. You pay to go there instead of feared County Jail, about $100 a day for short term crimes, though it is not clear whether Kiefer had to do so for this longer-term sentence.
In exchange, you also work – often washing police cars, helping with laundry, food preparation and such.
“He’ll be working here for 48 days,” said Officer John Balian.
While at the Glendale city jail, a minimum security prison, Sutherland will be referred to as an “inmate worker.” Balian also confirmed that Sutherland will be in his own personal cell and have outdoor access. He also has the right to two daily visitations. In prison slang, Kiefer is a runman, less likely to get stuck with a shiv (homemade knife) or end up being someone’s punk (rape target).
The actor was arrested in September after being pulled over for making an illegal U-Turn. He was given a breathalyzer test and taken into custody when cops determined his blood alcohol level to be above the legal limit of .08.
Despite having until March 30, Sutherland decided that he wanted to serve right away.
“Kiefer made the decision to surrender to custody immediately,” attorney Blair Berk told AP.
Other than jail time, Sutherland’s plea includes five years of probation, a $510 fine, and enrollment in an 18-month alcohol-education class. He will also do six months of alcohol-therapy sessions.