Lindsay Lohan Goes Back to Rehab, Not Jail

She got a stern warning from the judge, but no more jail time.

After failing a drug test, Lindsay Lohan was sent back to rehab until at least Jan. 3 after she made a written plea to a judge for more treatment.

The actress, wearing a black blazer and skinny blue jeans, appeared before L.A. Superior Court Judge Elden Fox on Friday to deal with her relapse.

The judge ordered her to continue treatment at the Betty Ford Center.

Credit: People

Is Lindsay Lohan Headed Back to Jail?

The revolving jail door may be spinning once again for Lindsay Lohan, who's under police investigation for battery against a rehab worker.

L.A. Superior Court Judge Elden Fox may be faced with having to make good on his threat of more incarceration for Lohan if she violated probation in a DUI case.

"If the latest allegations are true, it just spells disaster for Lindsay," says L.A. criminal defense attorney Richard Hirsch, who's not involved with the case. "After all the chances she's had, the judge may have no other option left."

Two months ago, Fox spared Lohan from jail after she failed a drug test, convinced that the actress – an admitted addict – needed more treatment and ordered her to remain at the Betty Ford Center until at least Jan. 3.

"I agree that relapse is a part of recovery, but I'm not going to be manipulated," Fox said, threatening her with six months behind bars if she slipped up again.

The actress, 24, has so far served three stints at a Lynwood, Calif., jail.

"Judge Fox isn't one to make idle threats," says another L.A. criminal defense attorney, Steve Sitkoff. "Especially if he decides that Lindsay was the instigator in the scuffle with the Betty Ford employee, that'll make him more likely to punish her with jail instead of treatment."

As of Wednesday, both the L.A. District Attorney and Fox had not been officially notified of Lohan's alleged infractions.

Credit: People

Probation Dept: Key Player in Lindsay's Freedom

Good news for Lindsay Lohan ... TMZ has learned the L.A. County Probation Department won't go after her for the alleged battery at the Betty Ford Center ... unless she's convicted.

Sources connected to the case tell us the Probation Department will not recommend to Judge Elden Fox that he violate her probation for the alleged assault when Lindsay appears on January 3. We're told the Department will only recommend action if Lindsay is convicted of criminal battery.

But it gets more complicated on the subject of alcohol. Under the terms of Lindsay's probation, she's required to comply with drug testing, including tests administered at Betty Ford. By refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test a week ago Sunday morning, Lindsay arguably violated this term of her probation.

We're told the Probation Department has not made a recommendation to the judge on violating her probation based on the breathalyzer test -- at least not so far.

Ultimately, it's up to Judge Fox. Worst case scenario for Lindsay ... back in the pokey for 6 months.

Credit: TMZ

Lindsay Lohan's Last Moments Before Rehab

Lindsay Lohan spent her last night of freedom before rehab reading a self-help book — and only Radar Online has the photo of the troubled starlet from inside her West Hollywood apartment.

Wearing a loose fitting black sleeveless dress with matching sunglasses, LiLo was snapped on her balcony at dusk reading The Power of Rest, written by Dr. Matthew Edlund.

It’s the latest statement from Lohan who is attempting to undergo an image makeover, before a critical October 22 court hearing that could end with her sent back to jail for 30 days for flunking a drug test.

The 24-year-old was booked into jail Friday, however, her lawyer filed an appeal, arguing Judge Elden Fox legally couldn't deny bail on a misdemeanor case.

Lohan was sprung on $300,000 bail and Radar Online has confirmed she checked into rehab for a fifth stint in the meantime.

According to our source, Lohan is “tired of being the party girl” and turned to the self-help book for guidance to deal with a “terrible” and disrupted sleeping pattern.

“Lindsay hopes to use this book to help restructure her sleeping patterns so she can function better,” said the insider.

“She has been shooting films into the wee hours of the morning since she was 11 or 12 years old and then sleeping in trailers while on the set.

“She never established a normal sleeping pattern.

“She was recommended the book by both a doctor and a friend and hopes it will guide her in the right direction.”

Credit: Radar Online