DUI in Bay County, Florida

2,034
Total Cases
97.3%
Guilty Rate
0.3%
Withheld Rate
1.3%
Dismissal Rate
4.5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,034 DUI cases in Bay County (2023-2025), 97.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.3% had adjudication withheld, and 1.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.5 months, with an average fine of $1,294. 5.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 20.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.3% (1,979)
Withheld
0.3% (7)
Diversion
0.2% (5)
Dismissed
1.3% (27)
Acquitted
0.7% (14)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.5 months
Avg Sentence
1.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,294
Avg Fine
1.2%
Prison Rate
20.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 411 2.1 months
State Prison Facility 25 3.7 years

Counsel Analysis

411
Public Defender
99.0% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
162
Self or Unrepresented
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
120
Private Attorney
96.7% guilty · 3.3% 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 1,449 97.0% 1.5%
Black 308 98.1% 1.0%
Asian 18 88.9% 5.6%

Age Distribution

4.2%
Under 21
25.8%
21-29
29.1%
30-39
19.7%
40-49
13.7%
50-59
7.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 671 97.2% 1.3% 5.0 months
2024 739 96.9% 2.0% 3.7 months
2025 624 97.9% 0.5% 4.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,518
Misdemeanor First Degree 470
Felony Third Degree 45
NULL NULL 1

Related Charges in Bay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 10,278 68.5% 1.3%
Traffic Offense 7,784 49.0% 0.6%
Other 4,574 38.9% 1.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,746 63.0% 1.7%
Battery 3,286 64.0% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 2,002 70.1% 1.9%
Fraud 1,750 53.4% 1.5%
Trespassing 1,671 80.7% 1.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Bay County?
The guilty rate is 97.3% based on 2,034 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Bay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.3% 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 DUI in Bay County?
The average sentence is 4.5 months, with an average fine of $1,294.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
20.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 5.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Bay 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 · 2,034 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026