DUI in Okaloosa County, Florida

1,239
Total Cases
97.3%
Guilty Rate
0.1%
Withheld Rate
1.2%
Dismissal Rate
5.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,239 DUI cases in Okaloosa County (2023-2025), 97.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.1% had adjudication withheld, and 1.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.3 months, with an average fine of $808.10. 50.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.5% used a public defender.

Facing DUI charges in Okaloosa County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.3% (1,206)
Withheld
0.1% (1)
Diversion
0.7% (9)
Dismissed
1.2% (15)
Acquitted
0.2% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.3 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$808.10
Avg Fine
0.7%
Prison Rate
11.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 143 3.3 months
State Prison Facility 9 3.2 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 8 2.1 months

Counsel Analysis

630
Private Attorney
95.7% guilty · 2.1% dismissed
415
Public Defender
99.3% guilty · 0.5% dismissed
115
Self or Unrepresented
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
15
Conflict Counsel
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
7
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
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 947 97.7% 1.1%
Black 169 95.3% 3.0%
Not Available 19 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.6%
Under 21
27.4%
21-29
30.7%
30-39
17.6%
40-49
14.0%
50-59
6.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 586 98.3% 0.5% 3.6 months
2024 459 96.7% 2.2% 8.7 months
2025 194 95.9% 1.0% 1.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,084
Misdemeanor Second Degree 116
Felony Third Degree 38
Misdemeanor Capital 1

Related Charges in Okaloosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 6,224 37.4% 2.7%
Other 5,019 21.2% 1.7%
Drug Possession 4,659 76.3% 0.4%
Larceny / Theft 1,807 69.7% 0.9%
Resisting Officer 1,390 68.7% 1.5%
Battery 1,375 52.7% 1.3%
Trespassing 1,051 77.1% 0.6%
Sex Offense 816 90.7% 3.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Okaloosa County?
The guilty rate is 97.3% based on 1,239 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Okaloosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.1% 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 Okaloosa County?
The average sentence is 5.3 months, with an average fine of $808.10.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 50.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Okaloosa 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 · 1,239 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026