Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Charles Snowden will have his DUI charge reduced to reckless driving if he meets court conditions under a no contest plea accepted Tuesday by Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure.
Snowden, who did not appear in court, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor DUI first offense. Adjudication was stayed, meaning Snowden will not be convicted if he complies with requirements.
Defense attorney Richard Schonfeld said Snowden must stay out of trouble, pay a $1,000 fine, complete a victim impact panel, and a coroner’s program. If successful, the charge drops to reckless driving; if not, he faces a DUI conviction and six-month suspended sentence.
Prosecutor Eric Bauman confirmed the terms. Schonfeld said he already had proof Snowden completed DUI school and the victim impact panel.
“Mr. Snowden is a fine young man who is looking forward to continuing his career and meeting all the obligations imposed by the court,” said defense lawyer David Chesnoff after the hearing.
Bonaventure ordered a suspended jail sentence of up to 180 days, plus the fine, DUI school, and programs.
Snowden was arrested in December 2024 after police found his vehicle nearly rolling off a 4-foot retaining wall near South Rainbow Boulevard. Officers reported Snowden passed out in the driver’s seat with the engine running, car in neutral, and keys in the cup holder. Police suspected drug use and sought a meth screening. Snowden was unsteady, had to be held up, and smelled of alcohol, according to the report. He had no identification and could not stay awake, so medical personnel were called.
