Traffic Offense in Bay County, Florida

7,784
Total Cases
49.0%
Guilty Rate
38.9%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
2.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 7,784 Traffic Offense cases in Bay County (2023-2025), 49.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 38.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.7 months, with an average fine of $313.57. 3.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 10.4% used a public defender.

Facing Traffic Offense charges in Bay County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
49.0% (3,815)
Withheld
38.9% (3,029)
Diversion
11.2% (875)
Dismissed
0.6% (49)
Acquitted
0.1% (6)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.7 months
Avg Sentence
6 days
Median Sentence
1 year, 2 months
Avg Probation
$313.57
Avg Fine
1.2%
Prison Rate
20.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,589 29 days
State Prison Facility 93 2.7 years

Counsel Analysis

809
Public Defender
75.8% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
394
Self or Unrepresented
61.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
264
Private Attorney
64.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
100.0% 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
White 3,819 59.1% 0.7%
Black 1,538 52.7% 0.9%
Asian 62 24.2% 1.6%

Age Distribution

7.3%
Under 21
30.5%
21-29
29.7%
30-39
19.2%
40-49
9.2%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,592 46.7% 0.7% 3.8 months
2024 3,099 46.9% 0.4% 2.7 months
2025 2,093 55.0% 0.9% 1.5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 6,148
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,364
Felony Third Degree 265
NULL NULL 7

Related Charges in Bay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 10,278 68.5% 1.3%
Other 4,574 38.9% 1.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,746 63.0% 1.7%
Battery 3,286 64.0% 2.9%
DUI 2,034 97.3% 1.3%
Resisting Officer 2,002 70.1% 1.9%
Fraud 1,750 53.4% 1.5%
Trespassing 1,671 80.7% 1.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Bay County?
The guilty rate is 49.0% based on 7,784 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Bay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 38.9% 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 Traffic Offense in Bay County?
The average sentence is 2.7 months, with an average fine of $313.57.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
10.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Bay 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 · 7,784 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026