DUI in St. Johns County, Florida

St. Johns County secures guilty verdicts in DUI cases at a rate of 92.3 percent, substantially above the statewide average and reflecting strong prosecution outcomes. Dismissals occur in 4.6 percent of cases here, more than triple the statewide rate of 1.4 percent, suggesting either evidentiary weaknesses in some local cases or prosecutorial discretion favoring dismissal over trial. Adjudication withheld and diversion both occur rarely—at 1.3 and 1.2 percent respectively, compared to statewide averages of 1.5 and 2.2 percent. This pattern indicates St. Johns County handles DUI with minimal alternative pathways out of the criminal system.

Sentences average 88 days but median at 30 days, reflecting a wider spread where some defendants receive substantially longer terms. Approximately one in four defendants receives jail time, while prison commitment remains uncommon at 1 percent. Probation averages nearly 400 days. Fines average $1,229. Representation splits relatively evenly between public defenders and private attorneys, each handling roughly 36 to 37 percent of cases, indicating mixed economic circumstances among defendants charged with DUI in this county.

4.6% of DUI cases in St. Johns County are dismissed — higher than Florida's statewide average of 1.2%. An attorney who works in St. Johns County can tell you if your case fits the dismissal pattern.

Ask a St. Johns County attorney — free
1,337
Total Cases
92.3%
Guilty Rate
1.3%
Withheld Rate
4.6%
Dismissal Rate
2.9 months
Avg Sentence

Where You Are in the Process

1
Within 10 days

Request a formal review hearing with the DMV (DHSMV) to challenge your license suspension. Missing this deadline means an automatic suspension.

2
2–4 weeks

Arraignment. Charges are formally presented. Pre-trial diversion may be offered.

3
1–4 months

Pre-trial period. Your attorney negotiates with the State Attorney's office. 2.5% of DUI cases in St. Johns County receive adjudication withheld or diversion.

4
1.0 months (median)

Typical resolution time for DUI cases in St. Johns County.

Source: Florida Statutes & DHSMV administrative rules — general process overview, not legal advice.

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
92.3% (1,234)
Withheld
1.3% (17)
Diversion
1.2% (16)
Dismissed
4.6% (61)
Acquitted
0.1% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.9 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 1 months
Avg Probation
$1,229
Avg Fine
1.0%
Prison Rate
23.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 320 1.8 months
State Prison Facility 13 2.5 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 10 days

Counsel Analysis

496
Private Attorney
94.8% guilty · 0.6% dismissed
479
Public Defender
93.3% guilty · 4.4% dismissed
37
Self or Unrepresented
91.9% guilty · 5.4% dismissed
11
Conflict Counsel
90.9% guilty · 9.1% 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 1,078 92.7% 4.2%
Black 111 93.7% 4.5%
Not Available 14 78.6% 7.1%
American Indian or Alaska Native 10 80.0% 20.0%

Age Distribution

1.7%
Under 21
16.5%
21-29
30.7%
30-39
22.3%
40-49
17.7%
50-59
11.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 489 96.5% 1.8% 2.8 months
2024 479 88.3% 7.3% 2.8 months
2025 369 91.9% 4.6% 3.2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 897
Misdemeanor Second Degree 396
Felony Third Degree 43
Felony Second Degree 1

Related Charges in St. Johns County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 7,840 36.5% 6.1%
Drug Possession 2,813 66.1% 2.3%
Other 2,071 67.0% 7.3%
Larceny / Theft 2,011 59.2% 3.8%
Battery 1,643 47.2% 3.5%
Trespassing 1,088 82.5% 4.0%
Resisting Officer 1,015 66.6% 3.0%
Sex Offense 536 86.6% 1.3%

Need a Defense Attorney in St. Johns County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles DUI cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in St. Johns County?
The guilty rate is 92.3% based on 1,337 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in St. Johns County?
Adjudication is withheld in 1.3% 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 St. Johns County?
The average sentence is 2.9 months, with an average fine of $1,229.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
35.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 37.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for St. Johns 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 · 1,337 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026