Rapper DMX Pleads Guilty to Drug, Theft Charges

Posted on: December 30, 2008 at 2:19 p.m.

Rapper DMX, one of the most popular rappers of the 1990's, plead guilty on multiple drug possession, theft and animal cruelty charges.

Specifically, DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty to one count of animal cruelty, one count of theft, and one count each of felony possession of marijuana and a narcotic drug. The 38-year-old rapper has been arrested several times in Arizona in the past year and missed several court dates.

Authorities alleged that DMX gave a false name and Social Security numberwhen being treated at a Scottsdale hospital in April. He was indicted on felony charges of theft and taking someone's identity. The animal cruelty charge, a misdemeanor, came from an August 2007 raid that Maricopa County sheriff's deputies conducted at DMX's Cave Creek home. Authorities investigating a report of animal abuse found three dead dogs, guns, ammunition and drug paraphernalia.

Drug or theft charges can be serious matters, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, and can even count as strikes under California's Three Strikes law. A drug crime is a criminal act involving the manufacturing, trafficking, possession, or sale of an unlawful narcotic. Unlawful narcotics include: heroin, LSD, cocaine, crack, marijuana, methamphetamines, and unauthorized prescription medications such as OxyContin or Vicodin.

A theft crime is a criminal act of taking another individuals personal property without the individuals consent. In California, theft crimes are classified as grand theft or petty theft. Petty theft is taking another persons property (valued at below $400) without the persons consent. In most cases, petty theft is considered a misdemeanor. Grand theft is taking another persons property (valued at $400 or greater) without the persons consent. Many grand theft crimes are considered felonies; which means that the offender can be sentenced with over a year of jail time if convicted.

Tagged as: counterfeit goods pc 350, drug crimes defense, three strikes laws

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Rapper DMX Pleads Guilty to Drug, Theft Charges

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