DUI in Desoto County, Florida

138
Total Cases
97.1%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.3 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 138 DUI cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 97.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.3 years, with an average fine of $1,189. 30.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.1% (134)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.7% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.3 years
Avg Sentence
4.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 2 months
Avg Probation
$1,189
Avg Fine
3.6%
Prison Rate
13.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 19 4.5 months
State Prison Facility 5 9.5 years

Counsel Analysis

45
Public Defender
97.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
42
Private Attorney
97.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
10
Self or Unrepresented
100.0% guilty · 0.0% 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 73 94.5% 0.0%
Black 10 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.2%
Under 21
25.4%
21-29
28.3%
30-39
21.0%
40-49
11.6%
50-59
11.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 36 97.2% 0.0% 1 year
2024 59 100.0% 0.0% 8.7 months
2025 43 93.0% 0.0% 6.6 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 69
Misdemeanor First Degree 59
Felony Third Degree 10

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 97.1% based on 138 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.0% 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 Desoto County?
The average sentence is 2.3 years, with an average fine of $1,189.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 30.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 138 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026