Prison warning as Lohan left waiting

Lohan (24), pleaded not guilty to theft of the necklace in early February, when a California judge gave her until yesterday to reach a deal in which she would plead guilty or no contest to the charge, which is the equivalent of guilty.

But lawyers failed to strike a bargain, leading to yesterday's ruling.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz set a date of March 25 to give Lohan's lawyer and prosecutors more time.

Warned

If they still cannot reach a deal, a preliminary hearing will start on April 22 in front of a different judge.

Schwartz previously warned Lohan that if she pleaded guilty or no contest, she would face jail time, and yesterday, he again cautioned her.

"The only reason you will appear in front of me again ... is to plead guilty or no contest to the charge and accept the parameters of the court's offer," the judge said.

If she does not reach a plea, the case continues to the April hearing where the new judge will decide if enough evidence exists to bring the Mean Girls actress to trial.

The new judge also will decide if Lohan's alleged theft violated terms of her probation on a 2007 drunk driving and drug conviction, which by itself could mean Lohan's return to jail for a fourth time since her initial conviction.

Lohan entered the courthouse in a tan sweater dress and black leggings, a contrast to more recent outfits that came under scrutiny for being possibly too revealing.

Her clothes and manner in court have been closely watched since an appearance last year at which she painted her fingernails with an expletive.

The actress's struggles with alcohol and drug abuse, and her legal troubles have caused her career to spiral downward in recent years.

hnews@herald.ie