Kiefer Sutherland Charged with DUI

Zap2It.com | September 28, 2007

Kiefer Sutherland

Prior probation could mean jail time for '24' star

Kiefer Sutherland has been formally charged with two counts of driving under the influence.

The two misdemeanor DUI charges stem from the "24" star's Tuesday (Sept. 25) morning arrest. According to media reports the Los Angeles County City Attorney's office has also asked that Sutherland's 2004 probation be revoked.

The Emmy-winning actor was arrested after attempting an illegal U-turn in West Hollywood. He was pulled over at 1:35 a.m. and a breathalyzer test showed that his blood alcohol level was above the .08 limit for California. Sutherland posted $25,000 bail later that morning.

That 2004 probation, stemming from a DUI conviction, will end up being Sutherland's biggest problem. If he's convicted in this latest incident, Sutherland faces a mandatory minimum sentence of four days in jail. He could face a year in jail plus a $1000 fine if convicted, while an additional six months could be added if it's determined he violated his probation.

The good folks at TMZ note that Sutherland will be arraigned on Oct. 16 in front of Judge Michael Sauer, the same judge who was so harsh on Paris Hilton. TMZ deems this to be "ironic." We know it's probably just a coincidence, albeit one that could cause trouble for Sutherland.

Production is still underway on the seventh season of "24."