Child Abuse / Neglect in Pinellas County, Florida

505
Total Cases
60.8%
Guilty Rate
30.7%
Withheld Rate
2.2%
Dismissal Rate
3.6 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 505 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 60.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 30.7% had adjudication withheld, and 2.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.6 years, with an average fine of $149.03. 2.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 4.8% used a public defender.

Facing Child Abuse / Neglect charges in Pinellas County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
60.8% (307)
Withheld
30.7% (155)
Diversion
5.9% (30)
Dismissed
2.2% (11)
Acquitted
0.2% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.6 years
Avg Sentence
2.0 years
Median Sentence
2.9 years
Avg Probation
$149.03
Avg Fine
31.1%
Prison Rate
18.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 157 5.4 years
County Jail 95 5.7 months

Counsel Analysis

459
Self or Unrepresented
62.3% guilty · 2.2% dismissed
24
Public Defender
37.5% guilty · 4.2% dismissed
14
Private Attorney
50.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Conflict Counsel
60.0% 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 233 61.8% 1.7%
Black 215 61.4% 3.3%

Age Distribution

9.1%
Under 21
28.1%
21-29
39.4%
30-39
15.2%
40-49
4.2%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 172 68.6% 1.2% 3.6 years
2024 153 59.5% 4.6% 4.3 years
2025 180 54.4% 1.1% 2.7 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 317
Misdemeanor Second Degree 90
Misdemeanor First Degree 47
Felony Second Degree 35
Felony First Degree 15
Felony Life 1

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 21,661 74.6% 1.4%
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
Traffic Offense 18,743 72.7% 1.6%
DUI 7,725 97.6% 0.8%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 60.8% based on 505 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 30.7% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 3.6 years, with an average fine of $149.03.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
4.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 505 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026