DUI in Manatee County, Florida

528
Total Cases
95.6%
Guilty Rate
0.8%
Withheld Rate
2.3%
Dismissal Rate
2.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 528 DUI cases in Manatee County (2023-2025), 95.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.8% had adjudication withheld, and 2.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $1,360. 23.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 30.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
95.6% (505)
Withheld
0.8% (4)
Diversion
0.4% (2)
Dismissed
2.3% (12)
Acquitted
0.2% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.3 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,360
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
8.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 42 2.3 months

Counsel Analysis

162
Public Defender
93.8% guilty · 4.9% dismissed
126
Private Attorney
96.0% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
36
Self or Unrepresented
94.4% guilty · 5.6% 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 428 95.6% 2.1%
Black 56 98.2% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.0%
Under 21
25.0%
21-29
30.7%
30-39
21.2%
40-49
12.9%
50-59
7.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 149 98.0% 0.0% 1.4 months
2024 179 95.0% 1.1% 2.5 months
2025 200 94.5% 5.0% 3.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 379
Misdemeanor First Degree 149

Related Charges in Manatee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 14,788 44.5% 2.5%
Drug Possession 5,094 65.7% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 2,751 58.6% 3.5%
Battery 1,908 57.1% 4.4%
Other 1,811 48.3% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 1,585 71.0% 3.7%
Trespassing 1,194 72.9% 7.6%
Fraud 1,003 68.3% 1.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Manatee County?
The guilty rate is 95.6% based on 528 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Manatee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.8% 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 Manatee County?
The average sentence is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $1,360.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
30.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 23.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Manatee 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 · 528 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026