Kiefer Sutherland has begun his prison sentence for a drunk-driving conviction after surrendering to Los Angeles police on Wednesday.
The actor was scheduled to turn himself in on Dec. 21 when hit show 24 was on a scheduled hiatus, but as the current writers strike in Hollywood had stalled filming on the series, he made the decision to check in earlier.
The star will serve 48 days at the private Glendale City Jail, spending Christmas, New Year’s and his birthday on Dec. 21 inside. Sutherland was handed the sentence after he was caught driving under the influence in September.
He will wear a standard-issue orange jumpsuit for the duration of his stay in the 48-cell facility, and came equipped with reading material and underwear when he booked into the prison, reports TMZ.com.
Randy Adams, Glendale Police Chief, insists Sutherland will not be given special treatment during his stay–and will be expected to perform laundry and kitchen duties like the other inmates.
He says, “The fact that he’s a celebrity–he checked that at the door when he checked in.”
Adams adds Sutherland was “cooperative” during the booking.
Sutherland will not share a cell at the facility, as it is standard procedure for “long-term” inmates to have their own accommodation, and the actor will serve the 48 days of his sentence consecutively.
Earlier in the day, Judge Stuart M. Rice also sentenced Sutherland to five years probation and insisted the star must complete an 18-month alcohol education program and attend weekly therapy sessions for six months.
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