DUI in Santa Rosa County, Florida

1,142
Total Cases
96.0%
Guilty Rate
0.2%
Withheld Rate
1.5%
Dismissal Rate
3.6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,142 DUI cases in Santa Rosa County (2023-2025), 96.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.2% had adjudication withheld, and 1.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.6 months, with an average fine of $901.75. 33.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 37.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.0% (1,096)
Withheld
0.2% (2)
Diversion
0.8% (9)
Dismissed
1.5% (17)
Acquitted
1.5% (17)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.6 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$901.75
Avg Fine
0.3%
Prison Rate
18.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 209 3.2 months
State Prison Facility 3 2.2 years

Counsel Analysis

424
Public Defender
97.4% guilty · 0.9% dismissed
380
Private Attorney
92.9% guilty · 2.1% dismissed
151
Self or Unrepresented
97.4% guilty · 2.6% 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 951 96.2% 1.2%
Black 107 97.2% 0.9%
Asian 11 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.8%
Under 21
21.6%
21-29
28.8%
30-39
20.0%
40-49
15.0%
50-59
10.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 382 97.6% 0.8% 3.5 months
2024 364 96.7% 1.9% 3.2 months
2025 396 93.7% 1.8% 4.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 861
Misdemeanor First Degree 262
Felony Third Degree 19

Related Charges in Santa Rosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 4,733 67.7% 2.5%
Drug Possession 3,645 71.8% 0.5%
Larceny / Theft 1,802 65.0% 0.3%
Other 1,238 63.4% 3.6%
Battery 1,180 58.2% 0.7%
Resisting Officer 890 73.5% 1.0%
Sex Offense 482 81.7% 9.1%
Trespassing 482 83.8% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Santa Rosa County?
The guilty rate is 96.0% based on 1,142 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Santa Rosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.2% 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 Santa Rosa County?
The average sentence is 3.6 months, with an average fine of $901.75.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
37.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 33.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Santa Rosa 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 · 1,142 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026