DUI in Clay County, Florida

DUI prosecutions in Clay County result in conviction at exceptional rates. With a 97.3 percent guilty verdict rate, Clay County far exceeds statewide patterns where dismissals occur in 1.4 percent of cases. Clay County dismisses only 0.5 percent of DUI charges, placing it 0.9 percentage points below the state average. Adjudication withheld and diversion programs, which typically offer alternatives to conviction, appear rarely in Clay County outcomes—0.9 percent and 1.3 percent respectively, compared to statewide rates of 1.5 percent and 2.2 percent. This suggests Clay County's State Attorney prioritizes DUI prosecution to conviction rather than pursuing alternatives to formal guilt findings.

Sentences reflect the conviction-focused approach. The median sentence spans just nine days, but the average of 67.8 days indicates some cases draw substantially longer terms. Over half of defendants spend time in jail, while prison commitment remains minimal at 1.1 percent. Probation averages 342.6 days, and fines average $1,520, creating financial obligations that extend penalties beyond incarceration or supervised release.

0.5% of DUI cases in Clay County are dismissed, and 0.9% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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552
Total Cases
97.3%
Guilty Rate
0.9%
Withheld Rate
0.5%
Dismissal Rate
2.2 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. 2.2% of DUI cases in Clay County receive adjudication withheld or diversion.

4
9 days (median)

Typical resolution time for DUI cases in Clay County.

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

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.3% (537)
Withheld
0.9% (5)
Diversion
1.3% (7)
Dismissed
0.5% (3)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.2 months
Avg Sentence
9 days
Median Sentence
11.4 months
Avg Probation
$1,520
Avg Fine
1.1%
Prison Rate
50.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 279 1.6 months
State Prison Facility 6 2.7 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 446 97.8% 0.2%
Black 77 98.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.5%
Under 21
21.7%
21-29
32.2%
30-39
23.2%
40-49
13.2%
50-59
7.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 190 96.3% 1.1% 2.0 months
2024 229 96.9% 0.4% 1.6 months
2025 133 99.2% 0.0% 3.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 528
Felony Third Degree 19
Misdemeanor Second Degree 5

Related Charges in Clay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,607 50.7% 1.1%
Drug Possession 1,978 70.6% 0.7%
Larceny / Theft 1,400 62.6% 0.0%
Battery 1,244 63.9% 0.7%
Other 1,230 39.3% 33.9%
Resisting Officer 733 71.5% 0.4%
Trespassing 455 76.7% 1.3%
Disorderly Conduct 274 47.1% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Clay County?
The guilty rate is 97.3% based on 552 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Clay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.9% 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 Clay County?
The average sentence is 2.2 months, with an average fine of $1,520.
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 Clay 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 · 552 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026