Ex-Korn Drummer David Silveria -- GUILTY Plea in Sleeping Pill DUI Case

Driving while under the influence of a sleeping pill isn't just dangerous ... it's against the law ... and now the original drummer for the band Korn will pay the price, after pleading guilty to DUI.

We broke the story ... David Silveria -- who played with the band from 1993 to 2006 -- was arrested in Huntington Beach, CA back in March after rear-ending another car and allegedly fleeing the scene while under the influence of a sleeping pill.

Silveria admitted he was driving while artificially tired ... and was charged with DUI and hit and run.

Earlier this week, the rocker struck a deal with prosecutors ... in which he pled guilty to the DUI charge ... and in exchange, prosecutors dropped the hit and run charge.

As far as his punishment ... Silveria was sentenced to 3 years of informal probation, a 3-month first offender program, and he must attend a M.A.D.D. victim impact panel.