AceShowbiz -

Michelle Rodriguez tasted her freedom early. The former "Lost" star was set free from the slammer Wednesday night, January 9 after serving just 18 days of her 180-days sentence for violating her probation in a DUI case.

Rodriguez was released early from Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California reportedly due to overcrowding in the jail, which is standard practice in LA, notwithstanding with the initial order issued by a judge involved in her case that demanded her to serve the entire sentence with no option of work furlough, early release or home confinement.

Explaining on that matter, Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore denied that Rodriguez received any special treatment as a result of her celebrity status, insisted "She was treated the same way as all female inmates. The sheriff supports the desire to have inmates serve their full sentence but is limited because of the extent of overcrowding."

Rodriguez was sentenced to six months in jail back on October 10 for failing to complete the community service and alcohol monitoring required by her probation sentence. She, in addition, was also ordered to complete 30 days of CalTrans work, which meant she would have to clean the street and highway. Had been required to report to L.A. County jail by December 24, 2007, the actress checked herself to Lynwood jail on December 23.