Kiefer Sutherland copped a plea in his recent DUI case through his attorney, Blair Berk. Sutherland pleaded no contest a count of DUI for driving with .08 or higher. In 2004, Kiefer pled no contest for driving with a blood alcohol level of .22 and got five years of probation. His plea today violated his probation for that offense.

The judge who was supposed to be hearing Sutherland’s case was the same hard ass who nailed our favorite drunken celebutante, Paris Hilton. Kiefer’s savvy high profile attorney got the case transferred to Judge Stuart Rice. The sentencing recommendations are for 48 total days in custody, the first being served for 18 days for violating probation with surrender on December 21. There are another 30 days Sutherland must serve by July 1 for his current DUI. The bulk of Kiefer’s sentence will be served when “24” is not in production.

Twentieth Century Fox and the FOX Broadcasting Group’s rep commented, “ Today our friend Kiefer Sutherland resolved his criminal case at the earliest opportunity. Kiefer made clear to us at the time of his arrest that his first concern was the welfare of those he worked with and that he intended to do whatever was necessary to prevent shutting down the show because of his situation. He told us that even if he had to sacrifice more time in custody in order to protect the show and the jobs of those who work with him, he would do so. From what occurred today, it is evident he is a man of his word. We wish him well and look forward to a long relationship with him.”