DUI in Hernando County, Florida

660
Total Cases
98.3%
Guilty Rate
0.3%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
4.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 660 DUI cases in Hernando County (2023-2025), 98.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.3% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.9 months, with an average fine of $1,067. 4.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 42.3% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
98.3% (649)
Withheld
0.3% (2)
Diversion
0.6% (4)
Dismissed
0.2% (1)
Acquitted
0.6% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.9 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,067
Avg Fine
1.4%
Prison Rate
18.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 120 2.5 months
State Prison Facility 9 3.0 years

Counsel Analysis

279
Public Defender
98.9% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
206
Other
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
27
Private Attorney
96.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
7
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 547 98.5% 0.2%
Black 54 96.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.6%
Under 21
18.1%
21-29
27.5%
30-39
19.1%
40-49
18.5%
50-59
13.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 216 99.5% 0.0% 5.8 months
2024 217 98.6% 0.0% 4.4 months
2025 227 96.9% 0.4% 3.5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 263
Misdemeanor First Degree 233
Misdemeanor Not Applicable 143
Felony Third Degree 21

Related Charges in Hernando County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 3,268 67.9% 2.8%
Larceny / Theft 2,833 48.5% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 2,485 73.5% 0.2%
Battery 1,342 56.3% 1.2%
Other 1,270 64.7% 5.1%
Resisting Officer 796 75.1% 0.4%
Trespassing 694 87.9% 0.4%
Burglary 526 86.9% 1.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Hernando County?
The guilty rate is 98.3% based on 660 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Hernando 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 Hernando County?
The average sentence is 4.9 months, with an average fine of $1,067.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
42.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hernando 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 · 660 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026