Snoop Dogg dodges prison time

Los Angeles -- Rapper Snoop Dogg has been sentenced to three years probation after pleading guilty to felony possession of a deadly weapon in Orange County, Calif.

As part of his sentence, Dogg must also perform 160 hours of community service, and he has agreed to make a $10,000 donation to Right Trak, an Orange County anti-gang program, People reported Thursday.

The hip-hop artist was arrested last September trying to board a plane with a 20-inch collapsible baton in a computer bag.

He initially pleaded not guilty to the offense, with his attorney arguing the weapon was a movie prop. However, "this was an expedient way to end the case," Dogg's lawyer, Donald Etra, told the magazine.

"Snoop wants to make music, not make court appearances," said Etra. "Community service beats state prison any day."

The 35-year-old rap star also avoided prison in April by pleading no contest in a Pasadena, Calif., court to gun possession by a felon and sale or transportation of marijuana, and was sentenced to five years probation, People noted.

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