TMZ is reporting today that the judge presiding over Lindsay Lohan’s criminal case in California, scolded the troubled actresses new attorney, telling him he was incompetent to practice law in California.
Judge Jim Dabney told Mark Heller, Lohan’s New York attorney that he was not competent and Lohan had better get another lawyer who knows what he’s doing, or she will have to show up in court to waive her rights to a competent California lawyer.
According to the judge, Heller erred when filing legal documents in a motion to dismiss three misdemeanor counts filed against Lohan after a car crash last summer. She was charged with lying to police, reckless driving and obstructing officers from performing their duties.
Needless to say the judge denied the motion to dismiss the charges.
Heller placed the blame on Lohan’s previous attorney, but the judge wasn’t having any of it, ultimately denying the motion to dismiss the charges.
The judge, questioning Heller’s competence also made note that Lohan’s California attorney, who is sponsoring the actress, was a no-show at today’s hearing.
Prosecutor Terry White insisted that the prosecution was ready and determined to go to trial on schedule. The trial is scheduled for March 18.
There are reports that Heller has been in discussions with the prosecution in a possible plea deal, but both sides couldn’t agree on a punishment.
Outside the court house Heller spoke to reporters. Responding to the judge’s criticisms he said he didn’t believe the judge was calling him incompetent, but pointing out that process and procedures are handled differently in California.
"Having become a lawyer over 44 years ago, I certainly know the important issues," Heller told reporters.
According to Heller Lohan is being treated through psychotherapy and undergoing voluntary drug screening, supporting the fact she’s turning her life around.
One reporter questioned Heller about Lohan’s father’s comments that he was a terrible attorney, to which he responded, "I wish Michael Lohan the best."
Be sure to check out my other examiner columns:
Celebrity and other news and Concert and music reviews
Subscribe to get email updates when new articles are published!
Questions/comments? Email me at randy@sacandbeyond.com or visit SacAndBeyond.com
Comments