Paris Hilton has officially started her 23 day sentence behind bars. The hotel heiress made a strategic decision to check into the Lynwood Century Regional Detention Facility two days early in order to avoid paparazzi mayhem on her scheduled date. Paris was originally sentenced to 45 days in jail for driving with a suspended license after being caught drunk driving just months earlier.

 It looks as though this experience has already taught Paris a few lessons. She released a statement through her attorney speaking about the consequences she will face for her actions. Although Hilton initially claimed she did not deserve any of the punishment she was given, she's already owning up to her mistakes. Paris began by saying "I am ready to face the consequences of violating probation. During the past few weeks I have had a lot of time to think and have come to realize I made some mistakes. This is an important point in my life and I need to take responsibility for my actions. In the future, I plan on taking more of an active role in the decisions I make. I want to thank my family, friends and fans for their continued support. Although I am scared, I am ready to begin my jail sentence."

Sometimes people like Paris Hilton have to learn their lessons the hard way. Hopefully she can learn from her mistakes and move on.