Child Abuse / Neglect in St. Johns County, Florida

221
Total Cases
39.4%
Guilty Rate
33.0%
Withheld Rate
1.4%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 221 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in St. Johns County (2023-2025), 39.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 33.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $258.00. 16.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 38.9% used a public defender.

Facing Child Abuse / Neglect charges in St. Johns County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
39.4% (87)
Withheld
33.0% (73)
Diversion
26.2% (58)
Dismissed
1.4% (3)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence
7.9 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$258.00
Avg Fine
8.6%
Prison Rate
15.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 35 4.4 months
State Prison Facility 19 3.5 years

Counsel Analysis

86
Public Defender
57.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
37
Private Attorney
43.2% guilty · 2.7% dismissed
17
Conflict Counsel
70.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
16
Self or Unrepresented
12.5% 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 129 35.7% 1.6%
Black 73 46.6% 1.4%

Age Distribution

3.6%
Under 21
25.8%
21-29
42.1%
30-39
17.6%
40-49
10.0%
50-59
0.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 77 48.1% 0.0% 2.3 years
2024 79 27.8% 3.8% 1 year, 2 months
2025 65 43.1% 0.0% 7.5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 91
Felony Third Degree 69
Misdemeanor First Degree 55
Felony Second Degree 4
Felony First Degree 2

Related Charges in St. Johns County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 7,840 36.5% 6.1%
Drug Possession 2,813 66.1% 2.3%
Other 2,071 67.0% 7.3%
Larceny / Theft 2,011 59.2% 3.8%
Battery 1,643 47.2% 3.5%
DUI 1,337 92.3% 4.6%
Trespassing 1,088 82.5% 4.0%
Resisting Officer 1,015 66.6% 3.0%

Need a Defense Attorney in St. Johns County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Child Abuse / Neglect cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in St. Johns County?
The guilty rate is 39.4% based on 221 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in St. Johns County?
Adjudication is withheld in 33.0% 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 St. Johns County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $258.00.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
38.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 16.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for St. Johns 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 · 221 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026