Traffic Offense in Desoto County, Florida

1,726
Total Cases
44.0%
Guilty Rate
53.0%
Withheld Rate
3.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,726 Traffic Offense cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 44.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 53.0% had adjudication withheld, and 3.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $60.57. 15.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 14.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
44.0% (760)
Withheld
53.0% (914)
Diversion
0.1% (1)
Dismissed
3.0% (51)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
11.0 months
Avg Probation
$60.57
Avg Fine
1.1%
Prison Rate
4.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 74 3.3 months
State Prison Facility 19 4.6 years

Counsel Analysis

942
Self or Unrepresented
29.8% guilty · 3.6% dismissed
260
Private Attorney
34.6% guilty · 2.3% dismissed
257
Public Defender
74.3% guilty · 2.3% 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 604 50.5% 5.1%
Black 239 54.4% 3.3%

Age Distribution

6.0%
Under 21
25.6%
21-29
31.6%
30-39
22.7%
40-49
9.3%
50-59
4.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 595 45.7% 1.5% 1 year, 1 months
2024 591 43.8% 4.1% 8.0 months
2025 540 42.4% 3.3% 1 year, 11 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,570
Misdemeanor First Degree 113
Felony Third Degree 43

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%
Burglary 155 92.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 44.0% based on 1,726 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 53.0% 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 Desoto County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $60.57.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
14.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 15.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 1,726 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026