Kiefer Sutherland booked for second DUI
|
|
24’s stunt drivers may have to work a little overtime on Jack Bauer’s next mission. Kiefer Sutherland’s arrest early Tuesday on drunken-driving charges — his second in three years — is likely to take a heavy toll on the Emmy-winning star’s behind-the-wheel time. Sutherland was arrested on misdemeanor driving under the influence charges after failing a field sobriety test. He exceeded the legal limit of .08, according to Los Angeles police. The actor, who had earlier attended a party to promote upcoming Fox series premieres, was stopped at 1:35 a.m. after making an illegal U-turn. He was released shortly before 6 a.m. after posting $25,000 bail. Among the problems he’s facing: It’s his second DUI arrest, and Sutherland is still on probation for his 2004 conviction. That means that the California Department of Motor Vehicles will suspend his license for one year, says California attorney Steve Cron. “No driving at all. No exceptions.” Sutherland’s ban from the roadways shouldn’t affect 24, which is scheduled for a seventh season premiere in January. Most driving scenes are done in a studio with the star in a vehicle and projections behind it to give the illusion of movement. Stunt drivers, who perform many of the exterior driving scenes, can do additional scenes to get a show around an actor’s inability to drive. Fox had no comment Tuesday, but production won’t get hung up in the short term. Sutherland wasn’t due on the set Tuesday, but it’s too soon to know if possible jail time will conflict with future filming. On top of DMV sanctions, Sutherland is facing “a lot of trouble” in the criminal courts, says Cron. In California, someone who gets a second DUI conviction within 10 years faces a mandatory five-year probation and minimum jail sentence of 96 hours (four days). “That’s the minimum,” says Cron. “With a second conviction in less than three years, he’s likely to face a more severe sentence.” Sutherland also will have to again face the judge who sentenced him to probation in 2004. “He will be charged with violating his probation. And that judge can impose more programs, community service or jail time,” says Cron. On Nov. 2, 2004, Sutherland pleaded no contest to DUI; he was sentenced to 60 months probation and 293 hours of community service. The actor is due in court Oct. 16 on this week’s charges. |