DUI in Hillsborough County, Florida

4,996
Total Cases
89.7%
Guilty Rate
8.8%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
6.4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,996 DUI cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 89.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.8% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.4 months, with an average fine of $697.74. 70.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 29.5% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
89.7% (4,479)
Withheld
8.8% (439)
Diversion
0.1% (7)
Dismissed
1.1% (54)
Acquitted
0.1% (5)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.4 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$697.74
Avg Fine
1.0%
Prison Rate
14.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 715 3.4 months
State Prison Facility 50 4.5 years

Counsel Analysis

3,522
Private Attorney
88.6% guilty · 0.8% dismissed
1,474
Public Defender
92.1% guilty · 1.7% 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 3,563 89.8% 1.1%
Black 1,073 89.5% 1.2%
Asian 94 87.2% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 13 84.6% 0.0%
Not Available 10 90.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.6%
Under 21
27.2%
21-29
32.4%
30-39
21.1%
40-49
11.2%
50-59
5.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,567 91.8% 1.0% 5.8 months
2024 1,676 88.5% 1.2% 4.3 months
2025 1,753 88.8% 1.1% 10.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 4,325
Misdemeanor Second Degree 444
Felony Third Degree 227

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Drug Possession 17,469 71.8% 1.9%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 89.7% based on 4,996 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.8% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 6.4 months, with an average fine of $697.74.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
29.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 70.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 4,996 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026