Lindsay Lohan Finally Completes Probation! Judge Warns: "Obey All Laws, It's Not That Hard"

At long last, judge dismisses DUI case against LiLo, converts probation in necklace heist to informal terms before sending beleaguered actress on her way

By Gina Serpe, Claudia Rosenbaum Mar 29, 2012 5:53 PMTags
Lindsay LohanAKM-GSI

Lindsay Lohan's legal nightmare is over. At last.

The beleaguered actress was back in court this morning for what everyone (though no doubt no one more than LiLo herself) hopes is the last time to bring a formal end to her seemingly endless probation in her DUI and necklace heist cases.

"She did it," Judge Stephanie Sautner said at the start of the lightning-quick hearing. She did indeed. But it's not quite over for the comebacking kid...

While Lindsay's probation in her jewelry-jacking case has transitioned to summary, or informal probation, her 2007 DUI case is officially a thing of the past.

"Ms. Lohan has done everything she was ordered to do...probation terminates today. Now," Sautner said to an audible sigh of relief from LiLo.

"She was given one year to complete it all and she has completed it short of a year, and she has done everything that this court has asked of her."

As for the city attorney's necklace case, that's not quite done, though Sautner today officially converted her probation in that matter to informal probation, meaning Lindsay will no longer be required to check in with a probation officer, have her movements and travel monitored and approved or even turn up for any more progress hearings.

Which will be helpful, as just earlier this morning, Lindsay was granted a Canadian work permit to begin filming an Elizabeth Taylor TV movie for Lifetime.

"You've paid all your fees, paid more than you should've, but that's between you and [the probation department]," Sautner told Lohan, adding jokingly, "I wouldn't go asking for a refund."

And while Sautner told Lindsay she was "not going to give you a lecture," she nevertheless humored herself with a small imparting of wisdom.

"The only terms left for you on that case are to obey all laws. It's not that hard. I know it's kind of hard when people are following you around all the time, but that's the life you chose," she said.

"I'm not going to give you a lecture. Live your life in a more mature way, stop the nightclubbing and focus on your work, OK?"

Before formally parting ways, both Lohan and her attorney, Shawn Holley, thanked the court.

"I just want to say thank you, Your Honor, for being fair, and it's really opened a lot of doors for me, so I really appreciate it," Lindsay said.

"I don't expect to see you again," Sautner told her. "You know what you have to do."

And so does the rest of the world, which no doubt will be watching. Lindsay's informal probation will expire on May 20, 2014. Good luck, Linds. We're pulling for you.

—Additional reporting by Baker Machado