DUI in Palm Beach County, Florida

4,973
Total Cases
96.2%
Guilty Rate
0.5%
Withheld Rate
0.3%
Dismissal Rate
2.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,973 DUI cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 96.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.5% had adjudication withheld, and 0.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $1,056. 47.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.2% (4,784)
Withheld
0.5% (24)
Diversion
1.0% (49)
Dismissed
0.3% (13)
Acquitted
1.8% (89)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.3 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,056
Avg Fine
0.4%
Prison Rate
42.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,089 2.0 months
State Prison Facility 22 2.7 years

Counsel Analysis

2,382
Private Attorney
96.0% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
1,632
Public Defender
95.2% guilty · 0.5% dismissed
959
Self or Unrepresented
98.4% guilty · 0.1% 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 4,186 96.7% 0.3%
Black 774 93.8% 0.3%

Age Distribution

3.0%
Under 21
22.6%
21-29
31.5%
30-39
22.2%
40-49
12.3%
50-59
8.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,507 96.5% 0.3% 2.2 months
2024 1,778 96.6% 0.2% 2.7 months
2025 1,688 95.6% 0.3% 2.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Not Applicable 2,684
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,136
Misdemeanor Second Degree 81
Felony Third Degree 72

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
Sex Offense 2,820 88.7% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 96.2% based on 4,973 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.5% 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $1,056.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 47.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 4,973 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026