Lindsay Lohan is due to appear in court later today for a crucial hearing on a jewelry theft charge.
The 24-year-old actress, who was accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Los Angeles boutique in January, has been asked to attend a preliminary hearing that will allow prosecutors to present any evidence against her. She strenuously denies the charges.
Today's preliminary hearing marks the first opportunity for Lohan's lawyer to present her side of the story, and for prosecutors to publicly lay out evidence against the actress.
Last month, the star rejected a plea deal that could have seen her receive a three to six month prison term.
This week, the 'Mean Girls' actress secured a role in an upcoming movie about New York mobster John Gotti, although it was not clear how she would fit in filming later this year, if she is jailed on the jewelry charge.
Lohan is still on probation for her 2007 drink driving and possession of drugs conviction. She spent two weeks in jail last year and was later admitted to a rehabilitation centre.
