Zachery Ty Bryan, widely recognized for his role as Brad Taylor in the classic sitcom 'Home Improvement,' has been sentenced to 16 months in county jail. The judgment, handed down on Monday, February 23, 2026, stems from a 2024 DUI arrest in La Quinta, California. Bryan, 44, reached a plea deal with prosecutors, admitting guilt to driving under the influence and acknowledging an enhancement for a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.15% or higher, which is nearly double the legal limit.

Court records indicate that Bryan’s sentencing was influenced by two prior DUI convictions, leading the judge to deny probation. While he was also initially booked on a misdemeanor contempt of court charge related to the 2024 arrest, this charge, along with a hit-and-run/property damage charge, was dropped as part of his plea agreement. Bryan will receive credit for 57 days already served, meaning he will spend just over 14 months behind bars.

This sentencing adds to a documented history of legal difficulties for the former child star, who has faced six arrests in the past five years. His legal troubles span multiple jurisdictions and include several DUI offenses, domestic violence arrests in 2020, 2023, and January 2025, and probation violations. Bryan has previously commented on the challenges of early fame, stating in November 2025, "Fame as a child actor left scars being thrust into the spotlight at nine years old brought pressures I wasn't equipped to handle, but that's no justification for my choices as an adult." Upon completing his jail sentence, Bryan is also expected to address outstanding out-of-county warrants.