ACTRESS LINDSAY LOHAN faces significant time in jail if convicted for stealing a $2,500 gold necklace, according to US legal experts.

Lohan denies the charges.

She is currently on probation for a drink driving conviction and the LA Times reports that legal experts say the could face several months behind bars.

Authorities are also investigating allegations that she pushed an employee at the Betty Ford Center, an alcohol and drug rehabilitation clinic where Lohan spent three months in rehab on foot of a court order.

TMZ reports that prosecutors are considering adding Lohan’s alleged theft of a $35,000 Rolex watch, a $12,000 mink coat, and a $400,000 necklace into evidence, if she is tried for the $2,500 necklace.

It also reports that the district attorney involved in the potential prosecution has been studying CCTV footage which allegedly shows Lohan wearing the $2,500 necklace she faces charges over.

Police secured a warrant to search Lohan’s home after complaints arose over the necklace, but the AP reports that the jewellery was handed in before the search was conducted.

The actress is due to appear in court today at lunchtime.