(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Anna Nicole Smith's former lover-and-lawyer Howard K. Stern is facing previously dropped charges on conspiracy.

The stunning star passed away in Florida under bizarre circumstances in 2007.

Following her death, Howard and the Playboy Playmate's psychiatrist Dr. Khristine Eroshevich were convicted in 2010 of conspiring to provide prescription drugs to Anna.

Initially Howard was charged with 11 felonies, but many were dropped when the case was finalised. Although the jury convicted Howard of two counts of felony conspiracy, the judge dismissed those verdicts.

TMZ reports that the case has been reopened and a California appeals court has reinstated two of the 11 charges that were thrown out by the original trial judge.

The reexamination board found that the judge was wrong to dismiss the convictions due to insufficient evidence.

The two charges are being sent back to the magistrate that presided over the first court case so that the judge can decide whether or not to send Howard to jail for the offences.

Howard can face up to two years in prison, be sentenced to probation, the felonies can be reduced to misdemeanours or the charges can potentially be dismissed on grounds other than insufficient evidence. (C) Cover Media