London, May 1 (IANS) Troubled actress Lindsay Lohan will plead not guilty over charges of stealing a necklace.

Along with lawyer Shawn Holley, Lohan will tell judge Stephanie Sautner of the decision of no contest as early as next week, reports TMZ.com.

In the US, no contest means the defendant is still claiming no guilt but is no longer contesting the charges.

Lohan had initially pleaded not guilty to the alleged theft of the $2,500 necklace from a high-end jewellery store in Venice, California, in January.

The 24-year-old is said to be hopeful that Sautner will not add extra jail time based on the new plea as she has already been sentenced to 120 days jail and 480 hours community service.

This was done after the judge ruled that she had violated the terms of her probation stemming from a 2007 case.

Lohan had initially pleaded not guilty to the alleged theft of the $2,500 necklace from a high-end jewellery store in Venice, California, in January.