Resisting Officer in St. Johns County, Florida

In St. Johns County, resisting officer cases result in conviction at notably high rates. Two-thirds of the 1,015 defendants charged plead or are found guilty, while 17.1 percent receive adjudication withheld—a Florida outcome where guilt is found but no conviction is recorded. Together, these mean 83.7 percent of cases end with a guilt finding. Dismissals occur in only 3 percent of cases, running above the statewide average of 1.9 percent. Diversion programs, which allow defendants to avoid conviction through program completion, are used in 11.3 percent of cases here compared to 4.8 percent statewide, suggesting St. Johns County offers expanded opportunities to resolve charges outside traditional prosecution.

When guilt is established, most defendants receive jail time rather than prison. Fifty-six percent are confined to jail, while only 3.4 percent receive prison sentences. The median sentence is 44 days, though averages reach 132.6 days, indicating some cases result in substantially longer terms. Probation typically extends 587 days. Most defendants are represented by public defenders at 54 percent, with 20.9 percent hiring private counsel. Fines average $512, adding financial consequences to confinement and probation obligations.