SNOOP DOGG pleaded not guilty to a felony weapon charge through his lawyers yesterday, when he was arraigned in a Santa Ana, California courtroom.

Snoop, real name CALVIN BROADUS, is charged with possessing a deadly weapon while trying to board a plane at John Wayne Airport in September.

Police also found a collapsible baton in his computer bag – one of the many non-lethal weapons which are illegal in California.

Orange County District Attorney spokeswoman SUSAN SCHROEDER says, “The reason we’re pursuing this as a felony is because of Mr. Broadus’ criminal history and his apparent and continued disregard for the law.”

The rapper’s attorney, DONALD ETRA, hits back at the claims stating, “Snoop’s not guilty plea says it all. The item he’s charged with was a movie prop, not a weapon. Snoop never intended it to be used as anything other than a prop.”

He faces three years in prison if convicted. A pre-trial hearing has been set for April 5.

The 35-year-old rap star is also facing weapons charges stemming from another incident at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California.

He was arrested there in October and accused of illegally carrying a handgun and possessing marijuana.

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