Strict outpatient care for Lohan

2010-08-25 23:11

Beverly Hills - A judge on Wednesday ordered Lindsay Lohan to undergo a rigorous outpatient rehabilitation programme that will require frequent counselling but will permit the actress to continue working.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elden S Fox ordered the Mean Girls star to undergo psychotherapy and addiction counselling sessions several times a week until November. He also ordered the 24-year-old to submit to random drug and alcohol testing at least twice a week and to continue living in the Los Angeles area.

He said Lohan could be sent back to jail for up to 30 days if she doesn't comply or if she fails the drug and alcohol screenings.

Fox laid out the terms of the actress' early release from an inpatient rehab centre during a 10-minute hearing, which Lohan did not attend. The judge said he ordered the actress' release at 17:00 on Tuesday.

Incentives

Another judge had ordered Lohan to spend 90 days in rehab after a 14-day jail stay for violating probation in a 2007 drug and drunken driving case. Lohan was at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Centre just 23 days, however.

Fox gave Lohan some incentives and rewards on Wednesday. He dismissed two drug counts that the actress pleaded guilty to in 2007. He also said Lohan will be taken off supervised probation in November if she complies with his orders, passes all drug and alcohol tests and does not miss any of her counselling sessions.

Fox took over Lohan's case after another judge, Marsha Revel, recused herself. A prosecutor had complained Revel met with defence attorneys and called rehabilitation programmes without notifying her.

Revel sent Lohan to prison in July after ruling the actress violated her probation by missing seven alcohol education classes since December.

'She has changed'

Fox said he based his modifications on the recommendations of Lohan's doctors and after reviewing three years of filings and medical records in the case.

Prosecutors did not oppose any of the conditions Fox placed on the star.

Lohan's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, said the actress is eager to prove that she can comply with Fox's orders.

"She has changed," Holley said. "She's healthy. She's clear-headed. She is positive and looking forward."

Holley said Lohan would not attend a screening of her latest film project, Machete, that is scheduled for Wednesday evening. But she said Lohan's treatment schedule will permit the actress to resume working.

"This was a good day for her in court," Holley said. "She has complied with everything that has been asked of her."

Besides acting, Lohan has a fashion line of designer leggings and other clothing. She also has committed to starring as Linda Lovelace in a biopic on the porn star. The director of that film has expressed support and said the project will wait for Lohan.

Lohan's case is due back in court November 1.

- AP