Lindsay Lohan has pleaded not guilty to the felony grand theft of a $2,500 (£1,553) necklace.
The charge is the most serious to ever have be filed against the actress, who has struggled with drug and alcohol problems for years.
“You’re in a different situation now that a felony has been filed,” Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz told Lohan.
“Everybody else has to follow the law. You’re no different than anyone else. So please, don’t push your luck.”
Mr Schwartz set bail at $40,000 (£24,800) and told the actress that if she was accused of breaking the law while free, he would have her imprisoned without bail.
The 24-year-old Mean Girls actress posted bail and was released an hour after the hearing.
If convicted of stealing the necklace from a Venice Beach shop in January, Lohan could face up to three years in prison.
