LOS ANGELES (AP) -- A judge refused Friday to delay Lindsay Lohan's trial on reckless driving and other charges and admonished her attorney, saying the lawyer needs help on the case.
Superior Court Judge James R. Dabney advised New York lawyer Mark Heller that his pleadings weren't appropriate under California law.
Heller was told to get assistance from another attorney or Lohan would be required to attend hearings to gauge his ability to represent her.
The actress wasn't obligated to attend Friday's hearing. Heller said after the hearing that while his motions didn't conform to California law, he was simply trying to protect Lohan's rights and would continue to do so.
Dabney also said there was no good reason to delay the March 18 trial, noting that he was skeptical that more time would allow Lohan to demonstrate she had changed after years of run-ins with the law.
"I don't know how the next two weeks is suddenly going to change the history of this case, these cases," Dabney said.
Lohan has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of reckless driving, lying to police and obstructing officers after her sports car crashed in June as she and a passenger headed to a movie shoot.
Lohan was on probation in a theft case at the time.
Heller had sought a delay as he works with prosecutors to reach a plea deal that could allow Lohan to pursue inspirational speaking or other community service.
The attorney rejected the notion that the actress needs rehab, noting that she has been sentenced to treatment several times before and she still ends up in trouble. "This is not what she needs -- rehab," Heller said.
He said Lohan is engaged on one-on-one psychotherapy.
"Lindsay doesn't have a problem with alcohol and drugs," he said. "Lindsay's issues are different," he said, declining to elaborate further.
Lohan could face a return to jail if she is convicted, or if a judge determines she violated the terms of her sentence in the 2011 necklace theft case.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Seeking to toughen the allowable alcohol limit for drivers, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is calling on states to lower the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) to 0.05 or lower from the current 0.08.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
Certain projects, such as adding a well thought-out family room can be a wise investment, as they do add to the value of the home. Other projects, however, allow little opportunity to recover the costs when it's time to sell.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
People who follow the ancient practice of yoga may be getting an added health boost, with a new study suggesting it can fight high blood pressure -- also known as hypertension.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 2:52 PM EDT2013-05-22 18:52:33 GMT
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wendy Greuel had a light moment with the media as well as serious and sometimes emotional ones as she officially conceded the Mayor's race to Eric Garcetti.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:42 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:42:08 GMT
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma, USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice.
When tragedy strikes - like the tornado in Oklahoma - USAR (Urban Search and Rescue) Teams are called to help from all over the country. In fact, the USAR Team from LA City Fire is ready to go on 2 hours notice. They have thirteen K9s trained to sniff out victims under rubble. Seven are ready to travel on a moment's notice.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-05-22 15:11:17 GMT
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
A bear with a tag on its right ear wandered around in a neighborhood in Sun Valley for more than an hour today before being tranquilized by fish and game personnel.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 8:25 PM EDT2013-05-22 00:25:19 GMT
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote.
Far-reaching legislation to grant a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:23:54 GMT
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1.
A scant turnout is expected Tuesday when voters choose between two City Hall regulars who failed to bring much sparkle to the contest to succeed Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who exits office July 1 after two up-and-down terms.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 23:12:30 GMT
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
FBI officials say a joint task force has taken down at least a dozen senior members of the 18th Street gang in a series of early morning raids. The suspects have been arrested for numerous charges.
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