DUI in Polk County, Florida

2,665
Total Cases
97.8%
Guilty Rate
0.1%
Withheld Rate
0.8%
Dismissal Rate
3.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,665 DUI cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 97.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.1% had adjudication withheld, and 0.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.7 months, with an average fine of $1,024. 24.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 26.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.8% (2,607)
Withheld
0.1% (3)
Diversion
0.0% (1)
Dismissed
0.8% (22)
Acquitted
1.1% (28)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.7 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$1,024
Avg Fine
0.7%
Prison Rate
26.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 702 3.2 months
State Prison Facility 18 2.1 years

Counsel Analysis

1,206
Self or Unrepresented
97.8% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
699
Public Defender
97.4% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
641
Private Attorney
99.2% 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 2,119 97.8% 0.7%
Black 499 97.8% 1.4%
Asian 39 97.4% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.2%
Under 21
23.6%
21-29
31.1%
30-39
21.0%
40-49
12.2%
50-59
8.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 759 98.9% 0.4% 3.3 months
2024 926 97.1% 1.6% 3.6 months
2025 980 97.7% 0.4% 4.3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,549
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,061
Felony Third Degree 54
Misdemeanor NULL 1

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
Sex Offense 2,588 57.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 97.8% based on 2,665 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Polk 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 3.7 months, with an average fine of $1,024.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
26.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 24.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 2,665 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026