Lindsay Lohan Pleads Not Guilty To Felony Grand Theft – Will Try For Plea Bargain To Avoid Prison

(HMG Celebrity News) – Lindsay Lohan was formally charged on Wednesday with one count of felony grand theft for allegedly stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, Calif., jewelry store.  The felony complaint alleges that Lohan “did unlawfully take money and personal property.

Judge Schwartz told Lindsay:

“You need to follow the laws just like everyone else. Look around this courtroom, everyone needs to follow the laws, and so do you. I’m going to be as polite with you as I can. You’re no different from anyone else so please don’t push your luck because I’m telling you things will be different.”

He added, “You’re in a different situation now that a felony has been filed against you. You now have a pending felony case. If you violate the law, I will remand you and set no bail.”

Shawn Chapman Holley, waived a reading of the charges and entered a plea of not guilty. Her bail has been set for $20,000 for the theft charges, and an additional $20,000 for a possible probation violation was added to the amount. She’s currently having her fifth mugshot taken.   Lohan was then flinger printed before a bond agency posted her $4,000 bail, officials confirm. She was released shortly after.  The “Mean Girls” star is due back in court on Feb. 23, an important hearing in which Lohan could opt to end the case early. Her attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, indicated Wednesday that the actress was interested in an early disposition program if the terms are right.

In pursuing these charges TMZ reports, the D.A.’s Office heavily considered 3 incidents where Lindsay allegedly stole expensive items, though she was not prosecuted or convicted in the three cases.

– She was suspected of taking a $400,000 necklace in 2009 from an Elle Magazine photo shoot.

– She was accused of stealing a $12,000 mink coat in 2008 from a NYC nightclub.

– She was accused of taking a $35,000 Rolex from a “friend” in 2010.

Lindsay who still swears she’s innocent this time,  is willing to take a polygraph, but is reportedly willing to plead guilty to make the case go away to avoid any jail or prison time.  But TMZ sources say the prosecutor wants jail time so there’s an impasse.