Kiefer Sutherland: Arrested for DUI

By: Shannon Gossage

Sutherland, 40, was pulled over at approximately 1:30 a.m. after he made an illegal U-turn in West Hollywood. Officers stopped the 24 actor on the corner of La Cienega and Beverly and administered a field sobriety test. It was reported that Sutherland’s blood-alcohol level was twice the legal limit of 0.08. He was then booked on misdemeanor DUI charges at the Los Angeles Police Department Hollywood station. He was released on $25,000 bail at approximately 5:42 a.m. Police officers said the actor was "cooperative and mellow" during his arrest.

Sutherland was in attendance at the FOX Fall Eco-Casino party at Area nightclub in West Hollywood on Monday night. Sources say that he was spotted drinking beer and smoking heavily while hanging out with FOX executives. He was also spotted signing autographs for fans of his hit show 24. Season seven is set to debut in January 2008.

Sutherland has a penchant for hard partying and has been in the news before due to his drinking. He pleaded no contest to a DUI arrest in September 2004. He received 60 months probation and 50 hours of community service. Since he was previously convicted of a DUI he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of four days if he is convicted of DUI in Tuesday’s arrest. It has been reported that Sutherland is due to appear in court on October 16 to face the DUI charges. Sutherland’s publicist, Evelyn Karamanos, said of the arrest, "It would be premature to comment at this time."