A week before a scheduled hearing for Kiefer Sutherland’s September 24 DUI arrest, Sutherland’s attorney Blair Berk was in court entering a no contest plea on her client’s behalf.

Sutherland said via a statement, “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. I appreciate the support and concern that has been extended to me these last weeks both personally and professionally.”

In light of the plea, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office issued a sentence recommendation for Sutherland of 48 days in county jail. Though it is merely a recommendation, sources tell Usmagazine.com that it’s likely what will be decided at Sutherland’s sentencing hearing on December 21.

According to the source, Sutherland will turn himself over to serve 18 days of his sentence immediately following the hearing in December, placing him in jail until January 7. Sutherland will then serve the remainder of his time over the summer. The split sentence allows the 40-year-old actor to avoid missing any production days on his hit Fox show, 24.

A representative from 20th Century Fox released a statement in support of Sutherland’s decision. “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.”

In addition to the jail time, Sutherland will not be allowed to drive until at least May 8, 2008.

Source: US Magazine

Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Tuesday morning in Hollywood, Los Angeles police department officials confirm.

Around 1 a.m., Sutherland, 40, made an illegal U-turn. Officers pulled him over, and the 24 actor subsequently failed a field sobriety test.

He was booked at the LAPD Hollywood station and was released at 5:42 a.m. on $25,000 bail.

A court date of Oct. 16 was set.

Because the actor was previously convicted of DUI in 2004, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of four days in jail if convicted for this latest arrest.

Before being stopped by police, Sutherland attended the FOX Fall Eco-Casino party at Area nightclub where he was photographed on the red carpet. At the event, he was also spotted signing autographs for young fans.

Source: People