Sex Offense in Santa Rosa County, Florida

482
Total Cases
81.7%
Guilty Rate
4.8%
Withheld Rate
9.1%
Dismissal Rate
9.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 482 Sex Offense cases in Santa Rosa County (2023-2025), 81.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 4.8% had adjudication withheld, and 9.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.2 years, with an average fine of $293.58. 6.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 18.3% used a public defender.

Facing Sex Offense charges in Santa Rosa County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
81.7% (394)
Withheld
4.8% (23)
Diversion
1.5% (7)
Dismissed
9.1% (44)
Acquitted
2.1% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.2 years
Avg Sentence
7.0 years
Median Sentence
5.1 years
Avg Probation
$293.58
Avg Fine
60.6%
Prison Rate
5.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 292 9.6 years
County Jail 24 8.3 months

Counsel Analysis

88
Public Defender
90.9% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
30
Private Attorney
66.7% guilty · 3.3% 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 434 80.0% 10.1%
Black 10 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

8.9%
Under 21
20.3%
21-29
20.1%
30-39
34.6%
40-49
7.9%
50-59
8.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 131 95.4% 0.0% 11.3 years
2024 194 73.7% 12.9% 8.7 years
2025 157 80.3% 12.1% 8.1 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 285
Felony Second Degree 99
Felony Capital 31
Misdemeanor First Degree 29
Felony Life 22
Felony First Degree 14
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Santa Rosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 4,733 67.7% 2.5%
Drug Possession 3,645 71.8% 0.5%
Larceny / Theft 1,802 65.0% 0.3%
Other 1,238 63.4% 3.6%
Battery 1,180 58.2% 0.7%
DUI 1,142 96.0% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 890 73.5% 1.0%
Trespassing 482 83.8% 0.0%

Need a Defense Attorney in Santa Rosa County?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Sex Offense in Santa Rosa County?
The guilty rate is 81.7% based on 482 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Sex Offense in Santa Rosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 4.8% 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 Sex Offense in Santa Rosa County?
The average sentence is 9.2 years, with an average fine of $293.58.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
18.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 6.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Santa Rosa 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 · 482 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026