Donnell Rawlings Wants A Plea Deal For Wrong Way Drunk Driving Case

Comedian Donnell Rawlings, who was busted for drunken driving last month, is hoping for a plea deal that won’t stop him from cracking jokes in Canada.

Prosecutors recommended Rawlings — who was a regular on the hit “Chappelle's Show” — plead to operating a motor vehicle while impaired in exchange for a 90-day license suspension, a $300 fine and attendance at a drunken driving program.

The offer was made at a brief appearance in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday.

But that plea would hamper his livelihood when it comes to performing over the border, said his lawyer Lawrence Weissmann.

“A conviction in New York for DWI or [driving with ability impaired] is a felony in Canada,” Weissmann said.
Rawlings, 46, regularly travels there for gigs, including a comedy festival in Montreal.

Rawlings, who has an otherwise clean record, was stopped while driving the wrong way in his 1958 Cadillac Eldorado in Hell’s Kitchen around 4 a.m. on July 11. Police said his blood alcohol level was .12, above the legal limit of .08.

The funny man, who donned a dapper gray suit and pink striped tie for his court appearance, said he doesn’t treat the situation lightly but makes light of it as a result of his job.

“Because I’m not experienced with this system, anytime I have to put on a suit and it’s not for a wedding or a funeral there is some concern,” he quipped outside the courtroom.

“This situation isn’t funny but because of what I do for a living, I have to take dark situations and make it funny,” he added.

“I don’t want anyone to think I’m taking it lightly.”

Rawlings’ case is back on for Oct. 15, but the California resident does not have to appear that date unless a deal is reached.

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