People News

Lindsay Lohan appears in court

Jan 30, 2013, 20:28 GMT

Lindsay Lohan leaving JFK Airport in New York

Lindsay Lohan narrowly escaped a warrant being issued for her arrest.

The 'Liz & Dick' actress splashed out on a last minute first class flight from New York to Los Angeles after being warned she could be jailed if she failed to appear in court to confirm the substitution of her lawyer today (30.01.13) because she was too ill.

The 26-year-old star reportedly arrived in time to reluctantly confirm that she has parted ways with her long-term lawyer Shawn Holley in favour of being represented by Mark Heller, according to gossip website TMZ.com.

The actress initially attempted to get out of her scheduled court appearance by submitting a doctor's note that said she was too ill to fly, however she reportedly panicked after photos emerged of her shopping in New York on Saturday, the same day on which she was examined and deemed to have an upper respiratory infection.

Dressed in a black Chanel dress, the 26-year-old troubled starlet - whose probation remains revoked because she allegedly lied to police about driving her car during a crash last June - was told by Judge Stephanie Sautner: 'Glad to see you're feeling better,' after her new lawyer admitted, 'I know there was some drama with her appearing today.'

A pre-trial hearing has now been set for March 1, but the judge said that Lindsay is not required to appear for it.

She then ruled that she must be present for the actual trial, which will take place on March 18.

The judge also told Lindsay that she could still be jailed for violating her probation, even if a jury finds her not guilty of lying because the standard of proof is lower.

The actress is facing three misdemeanour counts involving the car crash after being charged for resisting, obstruction, providing false information to a police officer and reckless driving.

'The Canyons' star was still on probation for her misdemeanour jewellery theft case at the time of the accident, and due to the charges, the Los Angeles City Attorney revoked her probation in December.