Traffic Offense in Broward County, Florida

Traffic offenses in Broward County are resolved very differently than across Florida. Over three-quarters of cases end with adjudication withheld, far exceeding the statewide average of 32 percent. This means most defendants avoid formal conviction despite judicial findings of guilt. The guilty rate of 20 percent is modest, and dismissals occur in only 1.2 percent of cases—significantly below the statewide average of 4 percent. Pre-trial diversion, which allows case dismissal through program completion, is underutilized in Broward at 2 percent compared to the statewide rate of 6.6 percent. This pattern suggests Broward's State Attorney prioritizes adjudication withheld outcomes over either conviction or diversion pathways for traffic matters.

When traffic cases result in sentences, confinement is rare. Only 0.4 percent of defendants receive prison time and 6.3 percent receive jail time. Probation is the dominant sanction, averaging 585 days. The median sentence of 43 days falls well below the 124-day average, indicating most sentences cluster at the lower end while some longer sentences pull the average higher.

1.2% of Traffic Offense cases in Broward County are dismissed, and 76.3% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

Ask a Broward County attorney — free
20,241
Total Cases
20.4%
Guilty Rate
76.3%
Withheld Rate
1.2%
Dismissal Rate
4.1 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
20.4% (4,123)
Withheld
76.3% (15,439)
Diversion
2.0% (404)
Dismissed
1.2% (240)
Acquitted
0.2% (34)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.1 months
Avg Sentence
1.4 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 7 months
Avg Probation
0.4%
Prison Rate
6.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,271 2.3 months
State Prison Facility 83 2.7 years

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
Not Available 11,092 15.1% 1.1%
Black 8,684 27.5% 1.3%
Asian 60 21.7% 1.7%
American Indian or Alaska Native 56 16.1% 1.8%

Age Distribution

7.5%
Under 21
32.5%
21-29
29.6%
30-39
17.2%
40-49
8.8%
50-59
4.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 6,584 19.8% 0.8% 3.6 months
2024 7,759 19.5% 1.1% 3.9 months
2025 5,898 22.1% 1.7% 4.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 18,228
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,627
Felony Third Degree 386

Related Charges in Broward County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Larceny / Theft 8,143 61.5% 1.1%
Drug Possession 5,290 56.2% 7.8%
Resisting Officer 4,126 51.8% 3.0%
Trespassing 3,442 51.5% 3.2%
Other 3,123 32.6% 26.9%
Battery 2,519 51.1% 5.5%
DUI 2,395 83.5% 3.0%
Fraud 2,358 58.1% 2.2%

Need a Defense Attorney in Broward County?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Broward County?
The guilty rate is 20.4% based on 20,241 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Broward County?
Adjudication is withheld in 76.3% 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 Broward County?
The average sentence is 4.1 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Broward 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 · 20,241 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026