Dmx Gets Six Months In Jail For Probation Violation

The hip-hop star, real name Earl Simmons, appeared in court on Tuesday (16Mar10) when he confessed to five separate claims of probation violation by using illegal drugs following his arrest in Phoenix, Arizona last week (09Mar10).

The judge ordered DMX to spend time behind bars - but the rapper could escape the jail term and serve his sentence in rehab instead, after an appeal from a representative from the Pasadena Recovery Center in California.

The spokesperson approached the judge presiding over the case during the hearing and presented a letter from Pinsky asking for permission to help DMX kick his drug habit at the treatment centre.

As WENN went to press, a decision on the offer had yet to be delivered but TMZ.com reports the judge was "open" to sending the troubled star to rehab.

Pinsky has become known to U.S. TV audiences thanks to his reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew and its spin-off Sober House, in which he attempts to help stars kick their drug and alcohol addictions.

DMX spent time in jail last year (09) on charges of drug possession, animal cruelty and theft, stemming from various arrests in 2008. He was sentenced to 18 months probation after his release in May (09) for verbally threatening a guard during his stint in prison.