DUI in Pinellas County, Florida

7,725
Total Cases
97.6%
Guilty Rate
0.4%
Withheld Rate
0.8%
Dismissal Rate
3.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 7,725 DUI cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 97.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.3 months, with an average fine of $1,168. 3.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 3.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.6% (7,543)
Withheld
0.4% (34)
Diversion
0.0% (1)
Dismissed
0.8% (60)
Acquitted
0.9% (66)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.3 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,168
Avg Fine
0.9%
Prison Rate
43.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 3,350 2.8 months
State Prison Facility 67 2.2 years

Counsel Analysis

7,166
Self or Unrepresented
97.8% guilty · 0.8% dismissed
279
Private Attorney
97.8% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
275
Public Defender
94.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Conflict 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 4,971 97.8% 0.9%
Black 1,366 96.6% 0.7%
Asian 111 98.2% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 10 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.1%
Under 21
21.3%
21-29
31.2%
30-39
20.3%
40-49
15.0%
50-59
10.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,825 98.1% 0.7% 3.1 months
2024 2,541 97.1% 0.9% 3.3 months
2025 2,359 97.6% 0.7% 3.6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 7,434
Felony Third Degree 288
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 21,661 74.6% 1.4%
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
Traffic Offense 18,743 72.7% 1.6%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%
Fraud 2,792 73.2% 4.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 97.6% based on 7,725 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.4% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 3.3 months, with an average fine of $1,168.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
3.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 7,725 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026