Now, judge lauds Lohan for her actions

Lindsay Lohan pleased the court Wednesday, with Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Stephanie Sautner complimenting the actress during the monthly progress hearing on her community service.

"Miss Lohan, you have actually done the work," Sautner said. "And done it not only on time, but early," noting that the "Mean Girls" star had completed her 12 days of monthly service at the Los Angeles County morgue with time to spare. "You're doing well and I'd like to see it continue, OK?"

"Do more days a month," Sautner suggested, "and then we can end this in February, possibly." Barring unforeseen circumstances, Lohan's sentence is scheduled to end March 29.

The judge also praised Lohan, 25, for attending an additional psychological counseling session above the four required each month.

Lohan, who with the court's permission had been in Hawaii celebrating her sister Ali's upcoming birthday, missed a flight back to California Tuesday night. Taking a later plane, she arrived in time to be present with her attorney, Shawn Holley, for the 10 a.m. hearing.

The judge also announced that Lohan, who was raised in Merrick and Cold Spring Harbor, could travel to see her family for the holidays, and could travel outside California without seeking court permission so long as her requisite 12 days of community service were completed. In addition to community service, Sautner on Nov. 2 sentenced Lohan to 30 days in jail for probation violation, for which the actress served fewer than five hours because of sentencing guidelines and jail overcrowding. Lohan pleaded guilty in 2007 to driving while intoxicated and related charges.

Her next scheduled hearing is Jan. 17.

SEE PHOTOSLindsay Lohan then and now