Child Abuse / Neglect in Desoto County, Florida

39
Total Cases
53.8%
Guilty Rate
46.2%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
4.0 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 39 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 53.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 46.2% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.0 years, with an average fine of $125.88. 10.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.3% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
53.8% (21)
Withheld
46.2% (18)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.0 years
Avg Sentence
5.0 years
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$125.88
Avg Fine
38.5%
Prison Rate
12.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 15 5.1 years
County Jail 5 9.7 months

Counsel Analysis

13
Public Defender
30.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed

Demographics

Demographic data reflects systemic patterns in the criminal justice system and should not be used to draw conclusions about any racial or ethnic group. Disparities may reflect differences in policing, prosecution, and socioeconomic factors rather than actual crime rates.

Race Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
White 21 71.4% 0.0%
Black 11 36.4% 0.0%

Age Distribution

7.7%
Under 21
23.1%
21-29
46.2%
30-39
20.5%
40-49
2.6%
50-59
0.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 10 40.0% 0.0% 2.0 years
2024 14 42.9% 0.0% 7.1 years
2025 15 73.3% 0.0% 3.9 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 29
Misdemeanor First Degree 4
Misdemeanor Second Degree 4
Felony Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 53.8% based on 39 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 46.2% of cases. This is a Florida-specific outcome where the court finds guilt but does not formally convict, allowing the defendant to avoid a conviction record under FL Statute 948.01.
What is the average sentence for Child Abuse / Neglect in Desoto County?
The average sentence is 4.0 years, with an average fine of $125.88.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 10.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto County. "Guilty" includes all cases where the defendant was found guilty. "Adjudication withheld" is a Florida-specific disposition where guilt is found but the court withholds formal adjudication under FL Statute 948.01. "Dismissed" includes all cases dismissed by the court or prosecution.

Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 39 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026