DUI in Broward County, Florida

In Broward County, DUI cases result in guilty verdicts 83.5 percent of the time, substantially higher than the statewide guilty rate, indicating aggressive prosecution of drunk driving charges in this jurisdiction. The dismissal rate of 3 percent exceeds the statewide average of 1.4 percent by 1.6 percentage points, suggesting some cases do not survive scrutiny. Notably, Broward's diversion rate of 9.3 percent is more than four times the statewide average of 2.2 percent, meaning the local State Attorney prioritizes offering defendants the chance to avoid conviction through program completion rather than pursuing every case to adjudication.

Broward defendants convicted or adjudicated on DUI charges face sentences averaging 149 days but with a median of just 62 days, reflecting wide variation in case outcomes. Probation is the dominant sanction, averaging 686 days, while only 0.7 percent receive prison time and 11.3 percent receive jail time. This pattern shows Broward courts typically use conditional supervision rather than confinement for DUI offenders, reserving incarceration for a small subset of cases.

3.0% of DUI cases in Broward County are dismissed, and 2.7% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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2,395
Total Cases
83.5%
Guilty Rate
2.7%
Withheld Rate
3.0%
Dismissal Rate
5.0 months
Avg Sentence

Where You Are in the Process

1
Within 10 days

Request a formal review hearing with the DMV (DHSMV) to challenge your license suspension. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension.

2
2–4 weeks

Arraignment. Charges are formally presented. Pre-trial diversion may be offered.

3
1–4 months

Pre-trial period. Your attorney negotiates with the State Attorney's office. 12.0% of DUI cases in Broward County receive adjudication withheld or diversion.

4
2.1 months (median)

Typical resolution time for DUI cases in Broward County.

Source: Florida Statutes & DHSMV administrative rules — general process overview, not legal advice.

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
83.5% (2,000)
Withheld
2.7% (64)
Diversion
9.3% (223)
Dismissed
3.0% (73)
Acquitted
1.4% (34)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.0 months
Avg Sentence
2.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 11 months
Avg Probation
0.7%
Prison Rate
11.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 271 3.8 months
State Prison Facility 17 1 year, 12 months

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
Not Available 1,631 83.5% 3.0%
Black 705 84.0% 3.0%
Asian 28 67.9% 10.7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 16 93.8% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.0%
Under 21
20.5%
21-29
31.8%
30-39
21.6%
40-49
14.7%
50-59
9.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 650 91.5% 1.8% 3.7 months
2024 925 82.8% 4.2% 5.4 months
2025 820 77.9% 2.7% 5.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,064
Misdemeanor Second Degree 261
Felony Third Degree 70

Related Charges in Broward County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 20,241 20.4% 1.2%
Larceny / Theft 8,143 61.5% 1.1%
Drug Possession 5,290 56.2% 7.8%
Resisting Officer 4,126 51.8% 3.0%
Trespassing 3,442 51.5% 3.2%
Other 3,123 32.6% 26.9%
Battery 2,519 51.1% 5.5%
Fraud 2,358 58.1% 2.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Broward County?
The guilty rate is 83.5% based on 2,395 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Broward County?
Adjudication is withheld in 2.7% 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 DUI in Broward County?
The average sentence is 5.0 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Broward 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 · 2,395 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026