DUI in Sarasota County, Florida

2,300
Total Cases
96.5%
Guilty Rate
0.3%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
10.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,300 DUI cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 96.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.3% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 10.3 months, with an average fine of $1,006. 0.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.5% (2,220)
Withheld
0.3% (8)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.0% (24)
Acquitted
1.0% (22)

Sentencing Breakdown

10.3 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 1 months
Avg Probation
$1,006
Avg Fine
1.0%
Prison Rate
29.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 678 2.5 months
State Prison Facility 24 18.9 years
Confinement to Hospital Facility 1 10 days

Counsel Analysis

12
Private Attorney
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 2,050 96.4% 1.1%
Black 166 96.4% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.3%
Under 21
19.4%
21-29
26.2%
30-39
22.8%
40-49
16.3%
50-59
13.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 867 97.0% 0.9% 1 year, 12 months
2024 718 96.1% 1.5% 4.0 months
2025 715 96.4% 0.7% 2.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,112
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,075
Felony Third Degree 113

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 11,831 40.4% 2.2%
Drug Possession 7,590 72.3% 1.9%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%
Trespassing 1,618 73.1% 9.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 96.5% based on 2,300 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.3% 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 10.3 months, with an average fine of $1,006.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 2,300 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026