Well Kiefer Sutherland copped a plea deal in his DUI case, and is set to start serving 48 days in jail right before Christmas. That makes me happy. I’m not really a fan of his (I know a lot of you are die hard “24” addicts) – he’s just got way too long a rap sheet for me. Whenever I see him on TV, I keep thinking (DUI DUI DUI DUI) – it’s distracting enough that I really can’t enjoy the guy. Which is too bad, because I’m told he’s pretty talented. According to the terms of the agreement, Sutherland doesn’t have to do all his time at once. Boy is that a cushy deal. Why not just give him a Lay-z-boy and a selection of fancy chicken nuggets in his cell while you’re at it?

“‘Based on the agreement, Sutherland will first serve 18 straight days in county jail for violating probation’ says veteran DUI attorney Lawrence Taylor. ‘He’ll be spending Christmas and New Year’s behind bars.’

“After that, Sutherland, 40, will have six months to complete an additional 30 days for the DUI – which he can even serve on weekends if he chooses to do so. He’ll be allowed to serve the second portion of his sentence in a city jail (which is seen as less harsh than a county facility).”

[From People]

It sounds like the National Guard for drinkers. “If you’re willing to commit two weeks a year and one weekend a month, you too can drink all you want and then drive home, probably running over a wide assortment of animals.” I think the California legal system should put that on some fliers. I’m glad he’s going to do some actual jail time, I just think it should interfere with his life a little more.

“The 24 star is ordered to appear in Metropolitan Court in Los Angeles on Dec. 21 for formal sentencing. He’s expected to plead no contest to a misdemeanor DUI count and admit that he violated probation from a 2004 DUI conviction. He will then be taken into custody by sheriff deputies on the spot and transported to the L.A. Men’s Central Jail. The plea deal stipulates that he cannot be released on home electronic monitoring. Sutherland released a statement late Tuesday saying, ‘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.’

“His studio, 20th Century Fox, indicated that the jail term would not affect the show’s production. Sutherland will have until July 1 next year to show proof to the court that he completed the 30 days of jail time. Anything less will be deemed as another probation violation, the agreement says. Sutherland will also be sentenced to five years’ probation, complete an 18-month alcohol education program and attend weekly alcohol therapy sessions for six months.”

[From People]

On the one hand, I’m glad that it seems like celebs are having to serve actual time and aren’t getting as much special treatment lately. On the other hand, the guy has a really long rap sheet, and I don’t think something as convenient as this jail sentence is going to do anything to temper his self-destructive, entitled attitude.