Fallen Star: Lohan's Issues May Derail Career

July 28, 2007 — -- Lindsay Lohan's latest movie, "I Know Who Killed Me," opened Friday around the country, but the buzz about the film was overshadowed by the actress' latest trouble, including her arrest this week on suspicion of DUI and drug possession.

"There is so much controversy about Lindsay Lohan, I just want to see if her abilities are still intact," one moviegoer said.

The 21-year-old was arrested by Santa Monica, Calif., police on suspicion of drunk driving and cocaine possession.

She was allegedly chasing the mother of her former assistant, who called 911.It was her second DUI arrest this year and it came only two weeks after she exited rehab.

Though Lohan claims she is innocent, some question the impact these troubles will have on her once-thriving career.

"I hope she can pull herself together," another fan said. "This movie wasn't that great and I hope in the future she might come out with better movies."

In a new twist, three partygoers are now claming Lohan hopped into the driver's seat of their SUV and began the car chase.

"In light of these new allegations, she could be charged with kidnapping, if she took these guys in the SUV against their will," Lisa Bloom of Court TV said on "Good Morning America Weekend Edition."

"Engaging in a menacing high-speed chase, 100 miles an hour for 20 miles, under the influence of alcohol, not letting these guys out of car, circling around in the SUV, this is pretty serious behavior," Bloom added. "She should serve some significant time behind bars."

The Associated Press reports the men who said they were unwilling passengers on Lohan's wild ride through Santa Monica have retained a lawyer, who said he hopes to resolve the case without hauling the actress into court.

The recent negative attention has made it difficult for Tristar Pictures to promote Lohan's latest film.

"It's my contention based on everything that I've heard from inside the entertainment industry that this young lady is uninsurable," said publicist and author Michael Levine. "For the next 18-24 months, it's going to be very difficult for her to get employment."

It's a possible fate 1980s teen stars Corey Feldman and Corey Haim know firsthand. Their movie roles dried up as they struggled with addiction.

"I see a version of me that is female and younger, and I just hope that she catches it now," Haim said.

Feldman said the actress should focus on her health.

"All that should be on Lindsay's shoulders or anybody right at this moment is, 'I need to get myself healthy,'" he said.

Lohan's movie has opened only in 1,200 theaters, which is a low number for a major studio release. It makes it more difficult to determine immediately if the attention she is receiving will affect ticket sales negatively.

And some people question how Lohan's legal trouble will impact and influence her younger fans.

"I think you have to maintain perspective," said ABC News parenting contributor Anne Pleshette Murphy.

Murphy said the single most important protective factor for teens is a close relationshipwith parents or with some significant adult, and idolization of celebrities is not what drives teens and tweens to drug use.

"It's not who's hanging up on her wall or who she's looking like or dressing like or even saying she wants to be," Murphy said. "It's who she's hanging around, which is the case with Miss Lohan as well."

Lohan's biggest problem may be facing her legal charges. Her arraignment is on Aug. 24.