Lindsay Lohan's case sent to DA

Lindsay Lohan's theft case has reportedly been handed over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

According to gossip website TMZ, after being accused of allegedly stealing a "high-end necklace" - believed to be worth $2,500 - the 24-year-old star's case is now with officials, who will make a decision before the weekend on whether or not to formally charge her for stealing the item.

However, Lindsay's father Michael Lohan has sprung to the defence of the troubled actress, claiming she did not steal the piece of jewellery.

He told RadarOnline.com: "This has been a very stressful time, none of us need this added stress to our lives. I'm not going to let people continue to distort things: Lindsay never stole a necklace."

While Los Angeles Police Department detectives initially obtained a warrant to search 'Machete' star's Venice Beach home, police intervention was avoided by a friend of Lindsay's turning the necklace in.

The 'Mean Girls' actress was released from a three-month court-ordered rehab stay in early January - her fifth visit to a treatment facility - and is currently on probation relating to a 2007 conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) until a court hearing on February 24.