ALEC BALDWIN has downplayed his brother Stephen's arrest on tax evasion charges, insisting the actor was taken into custody as part of a pre-arranged agreement with New York officials.

The Usual Suspects actor was detained on Thursday (06Dec12) over allegations he failed to keep up with tax payments between 2008 and 2010.

Baldwin allegedly owes $350,000 and is due back in court in February (13) to face charges of felony tax evasion.

Alec Baldwin explained his sibling's situation during an interview with CNN newsman Piers Morgan on Thursday night, claiming the arrest was pre-planned and his brother has already started paying back his taxes.

He says, "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. (District Attorney) for him to go in and make an appearance. 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.

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

When asked by Morgan whether he thinks his brother will land a prison sentence, the 30 Rock star replied, "I don't think he's going to jail."

Stephen Baldwin faces up to four years behind bars if convicted.