Child Abuse / Neglect in Volusia County, Florida
230 cases (2025) · Volusia County courts
Updated July 2026 · 2025 data
In 2025, Volusia County handled 230 child abuse and neglect cases, the largest caseload reviewed. The guilty rate of 41.3% positioned Volusia between Orange's lower rate and Sarasota's higher rate. Withheld adjudication was elevated at 34.8%, above statewide average of 26.3%, while the diversion rate of 20.4% was the highest of all counties—double the statewide average of 10.3%. Dismissals at 1.7% were slightly above statewide, suggesting Volusia prioritizes program-based resolution more than any other county examined.
Sentencing was moderate: median of 144 days and average of 1,226.7 days. Prison rates were mid-range at 15.2%, with 23.5% receiving jail time. Over 57% were represented by public defenders, consistent with lower-income demographics. Volusia balances prosecution with opportunities for defendants to resolve cases through diversion, producing moderate confinement rates despite significant conviction outcomes.
Outcome Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Case outcomes (2025)
Largest outcomeGuilty — 41.3% of 230 cases.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 230 cases · 2025 — FloridaCourtFile.com
Sentencing Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Sentencing when convicted (2025)
Confinement-type detail below is computed across all available years (2023-2025).
| Confinement Type | Count | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| County Jail | 154 | 3.4 months |
| State Prison Facility | 136 | 12.6 years |
Convicted defendants' full sentencing detail — sentence ranges, fines, prison vs. probation odds: Child Abuse / Neglect sentencing in Volusia County.
Counsel Analysis (2025)
Demographics (2025)
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 | 146 | 37.0% | 1.4% |
| Black | 75 | 49.3% | 2.7% |
Age Distribution (2025)
Year-Over-Year Trends
Exhibit · Disposition trends
| Year | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 240 | 44.6% | 2.9% | 11.4 years |
| 2024 | 221 | 53.8% | 3.2% | 2.6 years |
| 2025 | 230 | 41.3% | 1.7% | 3.4 years |
Quarterly detail
Quarterly figures recompute from monthly disposition counts; quarters with fewer than 30 cases are suppressed.
Charge Level Breakdown
| Level | Degree | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Third Degree | 312 |
| Misdemeanor | First Degree | 255 |
| Misdemeanor | Second Degree | 73 |
| Felony | Second Degree | 37 |
| Felony | First Degree | 8 |
| NULL | NULL | 6 |
Related Charges in Volusia County
Rates shown are 2025 unless marked otherwise.
| Charge | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 9,058 | 15.7% | 52.0% |
| Drug Possession | 5,517 | 73.1% | 1.1% |
| Traffic Offense | 5,037 | 52.6% | 5.9% |
| Battery | 2,011 | 49.0% | 2.3% |
| Larceny / Theft | 1,690 | 65.9% | 2.8% |
| Resisting Officer | 1,440 | 68.9% | 1.6% |
| Trespassing | 1,268 | 78.9% | 3.2% |
| Sex Offense | 579 | 86.0% | 4.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Volusia County?
The guilty rate is 41.3% based on 230 cases (2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Volusia County?
Adjudication is withheld in 34.8% of cases (2025). 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 Volusia County?
The average sentence is 3.4 years, with an average fine of $500 (2025).
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
57.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 20.4% retain private counsel (2025).
Cite this page
FloridaCourtFile.com (2026). Child Abuse / Neglect in Volusia County, Florida (2025). Based on 230 public court records; last updated July 2026. https://www.floridacourtfile.com/charges/child-abuse-neglect/volusia
About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Volusia 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 · 230 cases (2025) · Data last updated July 2026 — FloridaCourtFile.com