(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Lindsay Lohan has been warned she faces jail if she agrees to a plea deal in connection to her felony grand theft charge.
The troubled actress pleaded not guilty to the charge earlier this month. She is accused of taking a necklace worth $2,500 from a store in Venice, California.
Lindsay appeared before Los Angeles Judge Keith Schwartz this morning, in a hearing which was to determine whether the case could be resolved or not. She arrived on time wearing a low-cut black top and white trousers.
At the beginning of the hearing, Judge Schwartz said a video surveillance tape from the store had been handed to Lindsays lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley. The attorney had previously spent time talking to the judge in chambers.
Judge Schwartz warned the 24-year-old if she decides to accept the plea bargain which has been offered by Deputy District Attorney Danette Meyers she will face prison. He also said she will be jailed if she is found to have broken the terms of her probation following her 2007 conviction for Driving Under the Influence.
Ive never met you before the last court appearance... I treat everybody the same. I dont care that youre Lindsay Lohan, he said. I dont want you to be a repeat offender in the system. I want you to get on with your life and reach whatever potential you have. Quit causing your family additional stress.
He also spoke about some of the other stipulations he would put on Lindsay in order to decide the appropriate terms of her sentence.
I would like to have added psychological information as to what other additional conditions of probation might be appropriate such as psychological counselling... youll be ordered to see a therapist on a regular basis... Ive also indicated to your attorney that if the case settles... you need to get a reliable, reasonable and trustworthy sponsor unrelated to any of your family members, who is not moved by anything other than helping you get your life back on track and reach the potentials that you have, he said.
He added if Lindsay please guilty or no contest, it will mean she admits breaking the terms of her probation. Lindsays lawyer will now consider the terms of the plea deal, although Judge Schwartz admitted he thinks its unlikely the star will accept it following his discussion with the attorney.
If Lindsay decides to stand trial and is found guilty her jail term could be as much as a year. She is due back in court on March 10, when she will reveal her decision to the court. She can choose to plead guilty at that time.
I have indicated to your attorney that a lot of things shes requesting are reasonable. One thing you and your attorney need to understand is next time you see me is to either settle this case or not.... I get the impression youre not going to settle the DAs offer, the judge said.
You will be treated exactly the same as anyone else, no better or worse. I dont treat anybody differently.
According to law enforcement sources, there is security video footage of Lindsay wearing the necklace in question, which went missing after she was at the store. Shop workers reported the lost necklace to police, who made moves to search Lindsays rented home in Venice. The piece of jewellery was later handed in to police, and although it is unknown who by it is thought Lindsays stylist gave it to authorities.
Lindsays mother Dina and father Michael were both in court to support her. Michael arrived in Los Angeles at midnight, and gave a short interview as he left the airport. He insisted Lindsays problem stem from his divorce from Dina, and said he will do all he can to help his daughter.
I'm here to show support," he told RadarOnline.com. "Not only for Lindsay, but to be there for Dina and the kids, as well."
The star has apparently insisted the necklace was on loan to her and that she did not take it.
This is the latest in a string of legal issues which have engulfed the 24-year-old star over recent months.
She spent time in prison and rehab last year after she violated the terms of her 2007 DUI conviction by not attending enough alcohol education classes.
Upon her release she failed two of her court-ordered random drugs tests, and then voluntarily checked into the Betty Ford Center in California. Lindsay received treatment at the clinic for three months before her release in January, and was said to be determined to get her life back on track. (C) Cover Media