A three-judge panel in Los Angeles on Tuesday denied a motion by Spears' attorney seeking a delay in the trial and a possible reduction in the charge.

Spears' attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, did not immediately return a phone message seeking comment.

The move was not unexpected.

Flanagan said after a recent hearing that the court might reject his filing and that he would appeal a conviction in the case.

Spears is not expected to appear during the case.

She is scheduled to go to trial later this month. She was charged with not having a valid California licence after she hit a parked car in August 2007 and left the scene. -- AP