Actor Kiefer Sutherland was released Monday morning from the California jail where he served his entire sentence for a second DUI conviction and for violating probation.

The actor was arrested in late September when LA police officers spotted him making an illegal U-turn and pulled him over on suspicion of drunk driving. He failed a field sobriety test, making this his second DUI after an arrest in 2004. The 41-year-old Emmy winner pleaded no contest to driving under the influence.

He was subsequently sentenced to 18 days behind bars for violating his 2004 DUI conviction and another 30 days for driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08%.

He reported to Glendale City Jail in early December and spent the winter holidays as well as his birthday in the facility.

Sutherland was released from incarceration Monday morning, People magazine announces on its website, having completed his 48-day sentence. Jail spokesman John Balian was quoted by the magazine as saying, “[Kiefer] looked like he was glad to be out.”

Balian previously commended the actor for his determination and good-naturedness while in jail.

“Throughout his stay, he never griped, never complained,” Balian said. “He never wanted preferential treatment from the get go, and we respect him for that.”

It was the actor’s choice to start his sentence immediately after being convicted, his lawyer said at the time, although he could have waited as long as February 21 to enter the facility.

Remorseful, Sutherland released a statement before beginning his jail term, apologizing to family, friends and co-workers.

“I'm very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited recently, and I'm deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers.”

Kiefer Sutherland is now widely associated with his work in the Fox drama series “24,” where he portrays special agent Jack Bauer. The show’s seventh season had been scheduled to premiere in January but has been postponed due to the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike.

The actor has won several awards for his work on the series, including an Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series in 2006, as well as one Golden Globe, and two Screen Actors Guild Awards in previous years.