Contempt of Court in Sarasota County, Florida

256
Total Cases
74.2%
Guilty Rate
13.7%
Withheld Rate
1.6%
Dismissal Rate
9.0 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 256 Contempt of Court cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 74.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 13.7% had adjudication withheld, and 1.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.0 months, with an average fine of $491.94. 1.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
74.2% (190)
Withheld
13.7% (35)
Diversion
2.7% (7)
Dismissed
1.6% (4)
Acquitted
0.8% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.0 months
Avg Sentence
4.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$491.94
Avg Fine
2.0%
Prison Rate
28.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 74 5.5 months
State Prison Facility 5 5.0 years

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 228 72.4% 1.8%
Black 24 91.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

1.2%
Under 21
12.9%
21-29
28.5%
30-39
22.3%
40-49
24.2%
50-59
10.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 118 71.2% 0.8% 4.8 months
2024 62 69.4% 4.8% 8.2 months
2025 76 82.9% 0.0% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 245
Felony Third Degree 10
NULL First Degree 1

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 11,831 40.4% 2.2%
Drug Possession 7,590 72.3% 1.9%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
DUI 2,300 96.5% 1.0%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Contempt of Court in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 74.2% based on 256 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Contempt of Court in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.7% 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 Contempt of Court in Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 9.0 months, with an average fine of $491.94.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 256 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026