While Kiefer Sutherland could have waited until February 12 to start serving his 48-day jail sentence, he decided to start serving it right away. Evidently the writers' strike probably had some influence on that decision, as it was surmised that his original sentencing guidelines would have allowed him to continue working on and completing shooting of his television series "24."
Sutherland was arrested on september 25 for DUI. He was tested to be over twice the 0.8 legal limit.
The request to serve his sentence at Glendale city jail was granted by the judge, although he'll serve it under the county jail inmate program because of overcrowding.
It's a small minimum security jail which included 48 cells. Inmates serving longer sentences like Sutherland are granted their own cells, so he won't be sharing it with anybody. For safety reasons public figures are also usually granted private quarters in jail.
Originally the agreement could have had Sutherland serving the term in segments, serving 18 days starting December 21 and ending January 7, and then serving the last 30 days sometime before July 1, 2008. Again, that was related to shooting the "24" series, which is no longer a part of the picture.
Now the terms of the plea include serving five years of probation, a $510 fine, attending weekly alchohol-therapy sessions and taking part in an 18-month alcohol education program.
When in jail, Sutherland will help prepare food and work in the laundry room. He will also be given access to the outdoor area and be able to receive two visitors a day.
Since 1989, Sutherland has been arrested for DUI and related charges a number of times.
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