Sex Offense in St. Lucie County, Florida

649
Total Cases
75.7%
Guilty Rate
1.7%
Withheld Rate
3.4%
Dismissal Rate
7.3 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 649 Sex Offense cases in St. Lucie County (2023-2025), 75.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 1.7% had adjudication withheld, and 3.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.3 years, with an average fine of $4,780. 24.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 35.4% used a public defender.

Facing Sex Offense charges in St. Lucie County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
75.7% (491)
Withheld
1.7% (11)
Diversion
0.5% (3)
Dismissed
3.4% (22)
Acquitted
3.1% (20)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.3 years
Avg Sentence
5.0 years
Median Sentence
6.9 years
Avg Probation
$4,780
Avg Fine
52.2%
Prison Rate
14.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 339 7.9 years
County Jail 92 8.8 months

Counsel Analysis

230
Public Defender
72.2% guilty · 1.7% dismissed
160
Private Attorney
60.6% guilty · 6.9% dismissed
17
Conflict Counsel
76.5% 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
White 410 84.1% 2.4%
Black 171 49.1% 5.8%

Age Distribution

14.2%
Under 21
23.1%
21-29
32.0%
30-39
11.1%
40-49
6.6%
50-59
12.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 136 89.0% 3.7% 8.1 years
2024 286 60.5% 0.3% 6.6 years
2025 227 86.8% 7.0% 7.4 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 257
Felony Second Degree 192
Felony Life 55
Misdemeanor First Degree 52
Felony First Degree 40
NULL NULL 38
Felony Capital 11
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3
Felony NULL 1

Related Charges in St. Lucie County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 4,553 73.5% 7.8%
Traffic Offense 2,435 83.4% 0.4%
Battery 1,919 59.7% 8.3%
Larceny / Theft 1,859 79.2% 2.0%
Other 1,570 74.3% 8.0%
DUI 1,559 98.5% 0.4%
Resisting Officer 1,213 81.7% 4.7%
Fraud 992 65.6% 4.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Sex Offense in St. Lucie County?
The guilty rate is 75.7% based on 649 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Sex Offense in St. Lucie County?
Adjudication is withheld in 1.7% 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 St. Lucie County?
The average sentence is 7.3 years, with an average fine of $4,780.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
35.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 24.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for St. Lucie 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 · 649 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026