Homicide in Sarasota County, Florida
37 cases (2025) · Sarasota County courts
Updated July 2026 · 2025 data
In 2025, Sarasota County prosecuted homicide with an absolute conviction rate: 100% of 37 cases resulted in guilty verdicts. No dismissals, acquittals, withheld adjudication, or diversion occurred—the starkest conviction outcome in this homicide sample. Compared to statewide dismissal average of 2.0%, Sarasota's zero dismissals represent the least favorable outcome for defendants.
Sentences averaged 5,165 days (approximately 14 years), median 4,770 days, lower than Duval and Palm Beach but reflecting homicide severity. Prison sentences were imposed in 81% of cases. Average fines reached $5,165—highest in this sample—suggesting enhanced restitution or victim compensation emphasis in Sarasota sentencing practice.
Outcome Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Case outcomes (2025)
Largest outcomeGuilty — 100.0% of 37 cases.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 37 cases · 2025 — FloridaCourtFile.com
Sentencing Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Sentencing when convicted (2025)
Confinement-type detail below is computed across all available years (2023-2025).
| Confinement Type | Count | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| State Prison Facility | 66 | 17.1 years |
Convicted defendants' full sentencing detail — sentence ranges, fines, prison vs. probation odds: Homicide sentencing in Sarasota County.
Demographics (2025)
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 | 22 | 100.0% | 0.0% |
| White | 15 | 100.0% | 0.0% |
Age Distribution (2025)
Year-Over-Year Trends
Exhibit · Disposition trends
| Year | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 24 | 91.7% | 4.2% | 25.3 years |
| 2024 | 31 | 87.1% | 0.0% | 15.6 years |
| 2025 | 37 | 100.0% | 0.0% | 14.1 years |
Charge Level Breakdown
| Level | Degree | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Second Degree | 33 |
| Felony | Life | 27 |
| Felony | First Degree | 26 |
| Felony | Capital | 6 |
Related Charges in Sarasota County
Rates shown are 2025 unless marked otherwise.
| Charge | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Offense | 3,328 | 50.1% | 2.8% |
| Drug Possession | 2,404 | 75.9% | 1.2% |
| Other | 1,063 | 77.6% | 2.4% |
| Larceny / Theft | 1,028 | 64.1% | 2.5% |
| DUI | 711 | 96.6% | 0.7% |
| Battery | 685 | 57.7% | 0.9% |
| Sex Offense | 561 | 78.3% | 0.2% |
| Resisting Officer | 594 | 74.1% | 1.3% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the guilty rate for Homicide in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 100.0% based on 37 cases (2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.0% of cases (2025). 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 14.1 years, with an average fine of $5,165 (2025).
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel (2025).
Cite this page
FloridaCourtFile.com (2026). Homicide in Sarasota County, Florida (2025). Based on 37 public court records; last updated July 2026. https://www.floridacourtfile.com/charges/homicide/sarasota
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 · 37 cases (2025) · Data last updated July 2026 — FloridaCourtFile.com