Lindsay Lohan’s Latest: Felony Theft While on Probation

As reported by the Associated Press, the Los Angeles Times, ABC and Fox News, Lindsay Lohan has made headlines once again.  This time, instead of violating her probation with further digressions with drugs or alcohol, Lohan is accused of stealing a necklace worth $2,500.

Lohan appeared at court, among a swarm of photographers and video cameras, wearing a slim-fitting short white dress and high-heeled black pumps.

On February 9 Lohan pleaded not guilty to felony grand theft through her attorney.  Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz has set her bail at $40,000 - $20,00 for the felony charge and $20,000 for violation of her probation - and ordered her back to court for a hearing on February 23. 

He further warned her that any infractions might result in revoking her bail.

Schwartz warned Lohan, "You need to follow the laws just like everybody else. Look around this room. Everybody needs to follow the law, you're no different than anyone else, so please don't push your luck."

When asked if she understood what he had said Lohan answered, "Yes, sir."

Danette Meyers, the prosecutor in the case, requested that the judge advise both Lohan and "her agents" not to enter Kamofie and Company jewelry store in Venice, CA., the victim of the January 22 theft case. 

When the judge ordered her not to attempt contact with the jewelers, Lohan again answered, "Yes, sir."

If Lohan is convicted on this latest charge she faces up to three years in prison.  It will also make it her third time in jail.  As the other charges were misdemeanors - DUI,  drug possession and  probation violations - she will not be facing the California three strike law of a mandatory 25 years to life in prison.

Lohan claims that an employee of Kamofie and Company leant her the necklace and that her assistant returned it to the police.  The latter has been verified with the Pacific Division police station where a friend of Lohan's did return the necklace - just as detectives had begun to prepare a search warrant.

In 2009 Lohan was the center of another alleged jewelry theft in London.  British police at that time were investigating $400,000 worth of missing Dior jewels from an Elle magazine photo shoot the star had been featured in.  Elle released a statement in the incident that read, "Elle has no reason to believe that Lindsay Lohan was in any way responsible."

Back in 2008 a college student sued Lohan for stealing and wearing her $12,000 mink coat.  

In April of 2010, police, in the matter of a stolen $35,000 Rolex watch, again questioned Lohan.  The victim withdrew her complaint before police had completed an investigation.

Last week Tanning Vegas claimed that she owed them not only $41,000 in unpaid fees but also stole their spray tanning formula to sell herself. 

All of Lohan's troubles began in 2007 with her two DUI arrests.  It was the first time Lohan had been given a probation sentence, which has followed her now for four years.

If you are facing your first or third criminal charge, you need to contact a criminal defense attorney to help you with your case as soon as possible.