In 24 time, Jack Bauer had this legal matter resolved in a mere 10 minutes.

Wanting to quickly put his Sept. 25th incident behind him, actor Kiefer Sutherland pleaded no contest today to a misdemeanor drunk driving charge.  Assuming the judge accepts the arrangements of the plea deal, Sutherland will serve a recommended total of 48 days in jail.  At the formal sentencing on Dec. 21th, prosecutors will ask that Kiefer serve 30 days for the DUI charge and an additional 18 for violating probation.  This was Sutherland’s fourth DUI-related offense; he was still on probation for a 2004 incident.

If all goes according to plan, Kiefer will be able to serve part of his stint in late December (while 24 is still in hiatus) and the remainder after the show’s finale.