Actress Lindsay Lohan (L) and her lawyer Shawn Chapman Holley attend a progress report hearing for Lohan's 2007 drunk driving case at a courthouse in Beverly Hills, California on October 16, 2009.[Agencies]

LOS ANGELES- A judge on Friday extended Lindsay Lohan's probation on drunken driving and other criminal charges for one more year, telling the struggling actress to get serious about her alcohol education program.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Marsha Revel ordered Lohan to appear in her courtroom after receiving a report from probation officials that the "Mean Girls" star failed to attend alcohol education sessions in a timely manner.

"This has to be a top priority," Revel told Lohan as she appeared before the judge, "I would love to congratulate you rather than admonish you."

The 23-year-old actress's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, told the judge that Lohan's absences stemmed from a miscommunication between her and program administrators.

Lohan informed officials in July that she was leaving Los Angeles to work on a movie in Texas, and there was a misunderstanding about when she would return, Holley said.

The actress, who gained fame as a child star of Disney movies, saw her life spiral out of control as a young adult.

In August 2007, Lohan was ordered to complete an 18-month alcohol education program, serve 24 hours in jail and perform 10 days of community service while on 36 months probation for drunk driving, reckless driving and driving under the influence of cocaine.

On Friday, Revel agreed to add one year to Lohan's sentence so she could finish the program and suggested the actress complete it as soon as possible.

Lohan appeared in court in a white jacket and black pants. She answered Judge Revel's questions politely and showed little emotion.