Judge refuses to dismiss Lindsay Lohan case

LINDSAY LOHAN's lawyer has lost his bid to have charges the actress lied to California police over a car crash last year (12) dismissed.

Mark Heller appeared in court on Friday (01Mar13) to hear the judge's response to motions he filed last week (22Feb13) asking for a continuance in the case, a suppression of evidence and the formal dismissal of the counts, amid claims cops did not read the actress her rights before questioning her in hospital following the June, 2012 accident on the Pacific Coast Highway.

Judge James Dabney rejected all three requests, insisting the issues should have been raised during her previous arraignment.

Addressing the bid to push back the trial date, Dabney told Heller, "I see no reason to put the trial over. And we should keep the March 18 date."

The judge also raised concerns about New York-based Heller's ability to competently represent his client in the criminal proceedings - because he does not practise California law. Heller was hired in January (13) to replace the embattled star's longtime lawyer, Shawn Holley.

Lohan faces three charges relating to the 2012 car crash - giving false information to a police officer, obstructing or resisting a police officer in the performance of his duty and reckless driving. Together, they carry a jail sentence of over 240 days. The incident could also land her in trouble for violating her probation from a 2011 jewelry theft conviction.

Lohan was not present for Friday's brief court hearing.