A JUDGE has set an August 26 date for pretrial motions in Winona Ryder's shoplifting case.

　　The 30-year-old actress — who's charged with allegedly taking clothing and other items from a Saks Fifth Avenue store — did not attend Tuesday's hearing, in which Superior Court Judge Elden S. Fox said a trial date would be determined within 30 days of the upcoming pretrial motions.

　　Ryder, the star of Girl, Interrupted and the recent comedy Mr. Deeds, was arrested in December. She allegedly was carrying painkillers without a prescription and stole nearly US$6,000 worth of designer merchandise.

　　Charged with second-degree burglary, grand theft, vandalism and possession of a controlled substance, Ryder could face more than three years in prison if convicted.

　　(SD-Agencies)

　　Caption:

　　Ryder is seen in an undated public photo from her recent movie Mr. Deeds.