Who would have thought it; Lindsay Lohan's attorney doesn't think jail is the best course of action for his celebrity client. 

Mark Heller reckons "Justice has to be tempered with mercy. Even mean-spirited people should want to see an alternative used to jail." He said he "does not have a crystal ball" and cannot predict what may happened to his client.

"Her life has been under a magnifying glass with a great public interest in her case," Heller said. "I am very proud to be a part of this process to make sure justice is served." Heller was using all the tricks in court, trying to sweet talk the judge Judge Stephanie Sautner, referencing their New York roots via a thickly applied accent, saying it was "a great honor" to appear in her court. She wasn't having any of it, though, and said in no uncertain terms, "Flattery doesn't get you anywhere in this court."

Lohan had previously attempted to skip her court day, saying she was too ill to travel, but the actress made the trip after the court expressed the likelihood that an arrest warrant would be issued if she failed to show up. Heller said Wednesday in court that all he wants to do is help the actress: "I think it would be in Miss Lohan's best interest to bring closure to this drama in her life."