Child Abuse / Neglect in Santa Rosa County, Florida

136
Total Cases
55.1%
Guilty Rate
27.2%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
3.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 136 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Santa Rosa County (2023-2025), 55.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 27.2% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.4 years, with an average fine of $280.51. 9.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 41.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
55.1% (75)
Withheld
27.2% (37)
Diversion
14.7% (20)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.4 years
Avg Sentence
1 year, 8 months
Median Sentence
2.5 years
Avg Probation
$280.51
Avg Fine
24.3%
Prison Rate
15.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 33 5.1 years
County Jail 21 7.1 months

Counsel Analysis

57
Public Defender
54.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
13
Private Attorney
15.4% 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 112 54.5% 0.0%
Black 16 43.8% 0.0%

Age Distribution

11.0%
Under 21
18.4%
21-29
44.1%
30-39
22.8%
40-49
0.7%
50-59
2.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 54 53.7% 0.0% 2.1 years
2024 44 59.1% 0.0% 5.4 years
2025 38 52.6% 0.0% 2.6 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 88
Misdemeanor First Degree 31
Felony Second Degree 10
Felony First Degree 4
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3

Related Charges in Santa Rosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 4,733 67.7% 2.5%
Drug Possession 3,645 71.8% 0.5%
Larceny / Theft 1,802 65.0% 0.3%
Other 1,238 63.4% 3.6%
Battery 1,180 58.2% 0.7%
DUI 1,142 96.0% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 890 73.5% 1.0%
Sex Offense 482 81.7% 9.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Santa Rosa County?
The guilty rate is 55.1% based on 136 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Santa Rosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 27.2% 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 Santa Rosa County?
The average sentence is 3.4 years, with an average fine of $280.51.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
41.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 9.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Santa Rosa 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 · 136 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026