QUICK TAKES - June 9, 2009

Rapper DMX was sentenced Monday to more than a year of probation, avoiding more time in Arizona jails after spending two years in and out of the state’s legal system.

DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, pleaded guilty in May to attempted aggravated assault after authorities said he threw a meal tray at a jail officer. He had been in jail serving a sentence for felony theft, drug possession and animal cruelty and was released in May after nearly 80 days in custody.

In the latest incident, he was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court to 18 months of supervised probation and ordered to pay various fines and fees. He also was credited with time served and was allowed to serve his probation and undergo a counseling program in Florida.