Lindsay Lohan Rejects Plea Deal, Faces Trial

Lindsay Lohan is gambling that a jury will believe her side of the story: That she's no thief.

The actress has turned down a plea deal that included jail time and opted to move toward a trial in her felony grand theft case, Los Angeles prosecutors confirmed Wednesday.

Lohan, 24, is accused of stealing a $2,500 necklace from a Venice, Calif., store. Sources close to Lohan contend she believed the necklace was loaned to her, a version of events refuted by the store's owners.

A preliminary hearing, in which testimony is heard and a judge decides if there's enough evidence for a trial, is set to begin on April 22.

If convicted, Lohan faces a maximum of three years in prison. She also faces the possibility of jail time if a judge decides she violated her probation in a DUI case.

Lohan's attorney, Shawn Holley, could not be reached for comment.

Credit: PEOPLE (Ken Lee)

Lindsay Lohan -- The Perils of a Plea Bargain

Lindsay Lohan is rolling the dice, whether she plea bargains her grand theft case or goes to trial, because even if she cops a plea, the judge could still throw the book at her.

TMZ broke the story ... Judge Keith Schwartz has indicated he would give Lindsay 3 months in jail if she cops a plea. That sentence translates to 19 days because of jail overcrowding.

But sources connected with the case tell TMZ ... Judge Schwartz reserved the right to change the sentence depending on the evidence that surfaces during Friday's hearing. And here's the bad news for Lindsay.

-- We've learned prosecutor Danette Meyers -- who is asking for 6 months in jail -- will argue Lindsay's performance on probation has been "unsatisfactory." She has missed AA meetings, gone to class with tea laced with alcohol and missed court appearances.

-- As TMZ reported on February 9, Meyers will allege Lindsay has a history of stealing -- a $12,000 mink coat in 2008, a $400,000 necklace in 2009, and a $35,000 Rolex in 2010.

-- The judge will read and consider Lindsay's probation report. As TMZ first reported, there is information in that report which is extremely damaging to Lindsay, and could impact her sentence.

If the judge feels Lindsay's conduct is worse than he thought when he met with Shawn Holley a few weeks ago, he could up the sentence ... possibly to 6 months.

And here's the biggest problem for Lindsay. If she accepts the plea, Schwartz will place Lindsay on 3 years probation. And what are the chances Lindsay Lohan can stay out of trouble for 3 years?

Credit: TMZ