Homicide in Desoto County, Florida

29
Total Cases
96.6%
Guilty Rate
3.4%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
18.0 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 29 Homicide cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 96.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 3.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 18.0 years, with an average fine of $175.75. 17.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 44.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.6% (28)
Withheld
3.4% (1)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

18.0 years
Avg Sentence
20.0 years
Median Sentence
7.5 years
Avg Probation
$175.75
Avg Fine
72.4%
Prison Rate
10.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 21 17.6 years
County Jail 3 2.3 years

Counsel Analysis

13
Public Defender
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Private Attorney
80.0% 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
Black 11 100.0% 0.0%
White 10 90.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

24.1%
Under 21
34.5%
21-29
17.2%
30-39
17.2%
40-49
3.4%
50-59
3.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 8 100.0% 0.0% 20.2 years
2024 9 100.0% 0.0% 9.6 years
2025 12 91.7% 0.0% 26.6 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 10
Felony First Degree 8
Felony Life 8
Felony First Degree punishable by life 3

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Homicide in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 96.6% based on 29 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 3.4% 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 Homicide in Desoto County?
The average sentence is 18.0 years, with an average fine of $175.75.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
44.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 17.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 29 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026