Snoop Dogg's hits include Who Am I? (What's My Name?)

The 35-year-old was arrested last September after the baton was found in his bag at John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California.

"Snoop's goal is to make music, not make court appearances," his lawyer Donald Etra said.

The rapper must also donate $10,000 (�5,000) to a children's charity.

Mr Etra said the felony conviction would be reduced to a misdemeanour after one year if Snoop Dogg did not break the law during that time.

Criminal past

"He wants to get on with his life. He will continue with his music and his filming and performing," he added.

The case was heard at Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana, California.

Mr Etra had advised his client, whose real name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr, to plead not guilty but said Snoop Dogg had wanted to resolve the issue.

It is the second time the rapper has avoided a jail sentence this year.

In April, he was given five years probation and 800 hours community service after pleading no contest to gun and drug charges in a Californian court.