3 Doors Down bassist Todd Harrell has been handed a suspended sentence after losing an appeal against a 2012 conviction for driving under the influence (Dui).

The rocker was found guilty of the charge in August, 2012, a month after he was arrested for rear-ending a pick-up truck in D'Iberville, Mississippi.

He had told the arresting officer that he had taken a Zanaflex muscle relaxer pill the night before, but he tested positive for five different types of prescription drugs, including painkillers oxycodone and Percocet.

Harrell challenged the ruling, but Harrison County Court Judge Robin Alfred Midcalf upheld the conviction on Wednesday (08Jan14) following a bench trial.

The 41 year old's two-day jail term will be waived if he stays out of legal trouble for six months. Harrell was also fined $1,000 (£670) and ordered to enrol in drug and alcohol awareness and victims' impact programmes within 30 days.

Adam Miller, one of the defence lawyers, revealed Harrell's team was reviewing its options about whether to take the case to the Mississippi Court of Appeals, reports the Associated Press.

News of Harrell's appeal loss emerges nine months after he checked into rehab to conquer his drink and drug demons following an April, 2013 arrest for vehicular homicide by intoxication.

His personal and legal troubles forced 3 Doors Down to cancel a number of U.S. gigs last year (13).