Following the reports about Kiefer Sutherland being caught driving drunk, the 40-year-old actor recently pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor drunk driving charge in a Los Angeles court yesterday. He now faces 48 days in jail, which could be extended to a year, if the judge sees fit. Following a FOX Fall TV party held a couple of weeks ago in Hollywood, Sutherland got into his car, drove away and made an illegal U-turn. He was pulled and arrested, and subsequently charged with DUI.

Sutherlands lawyers responded well as the plea deal made sure that Sutherlands jail time would not coincide with his production schedule on 24.

Apparently, Sutherland and his lawyers sacrificed a shorter sentence just to make sure that 24 and FOX would not be adversely affected by his jail time. The plea deal also indicates that the sentencing will take place on the 21st of December, the beginning of 24s Winter production break. Sutherland will then have to spend his first 18 days in jail, and will proceed to work afterwards. However, his 30 remaining days of jail time will have to be completed before July 1, 2008. The plea deal continues to say that Sutherland will not be released early, sent home with an electronic bracelet, or any other celebrity loophole. The plea deal expressly forbids any of this kind. Kiefer Sutherland will be spending 48 days in jail.