Stephen Baldwin tax charges 'being cleared up,' says brother Alec Baldwin

Alec Baldwin downplayed his brother Stephen Baldwin's arrest and subsequent charges for tax evasion Thursday (Dec. 6) during an interview with CNN's Piers Morgan.

"The Usual Suspects" actor reportedly owes $350,000 for allegedly failing to pay his taxes between 2008 and 2010. He is due back in court on Feb. 5.

"We're talking about him being arrested and taken into custody and what have you, (but) this was all pre-arranged with the D.A. for him to go in and make an appearance," Alec says. "And they've got to shake him down, and they've got to make him walk that gauntlet because that's their procedure, even though steps have been made to begin the process of remediating that money, and down payments have been made."  

He adds, "His problem as of today is being cleared up, but they did drag him through that mud today."  

When Morgan asks if he thinks his brother will go to prison on the charges, Alec says, "I don't think he's going to jail."  

Baldwin, who is set to appear on the upcoming all-star season of "The Celebrity Apprentice" in March, pleaded not guilty at an arraignment Thursday and was freed without bail. He could face up to four years in prison if convicted.