Traffic Offense in Gilchrist County, Florida

Traffic offenses in Gilchrist County result in conviction or adjudication withheld in nearly all cases—99.1 percent combined—compared to a statewide withheld rate of 31.9 percent. The county shows zero dismissals and zero acquittals, placing it 4 percentage points below the statewide dismissal average. This pattern suggests the local prosecution and courts treat traffic violations as reliably prosecutable matters with minimal case rejection. The high withheld adjudication rate means most defendants avoid a formal conviction on their record despite a finding of guilt.

Nearly one-third of defendants receive jail time, with a median sentence of 30 days and an average of 75 days. Probation sentences average 315 days. Fines average just under $100. About half of defendants are represented by public defenders, while only 6.4 percent retain private counsel. The data shows minimal use of diversion programs—under one percent—suggesting Gilchrist County rarely diverts traffic cases away from prosecution despite statewide diversion rates of 6.6 percent.

0.0% of Traffic Offense cases in Gilchrist County are dismissed — below Florida's statewide average of 4.1%. Gilchrist County is tougher than typical on these cases, so the attorney you pick matters more here.

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326
Total Cases
63.2%
Guilty Rate
35.9%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.5 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
63.2% (206)
Withheld
35.9% (117)
Diversion
0.9% (3)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.5 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
10.5 months
Avg Probation
$99
Avg Fine
1.5%
Prison Rate
29.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 95 1.6 months
State Prison Facility 5 1 year, 7 months

Counsel Analysis

158
Public Defender
78.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
100
Self or Unrepresented
29.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
21
Private Attorney
52.4% 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 185 71.4% 0.0%
Black 26 88.5% 0.0%

Age Distribution

9.2%
Under 21
25.5%
21-29
30.7%
30-39
21.2%
40-49
9.5%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 145 71.0% 0.0% 2.2 months
2024 94 55.3% 0.0% 2.6 months
2025 87 58.6% 0.0% 3.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 261
Misdemeanor First Degree 45
Felony Third Degree 20

Related Charges in Gilchrist County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 259 72.2% 0.0%
Other 110 67.3% 0.9%
Battery 98 61.2% 3.1%
DUI 71 88.7% 0.0%
Larceny / Theft 66 81.8% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 53 84.9% 0.0%
Trespassing 49 73.5% 0.0%
Burglary 43 83.7% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Gilchrist County?
The guilty rate is 63.2% based on 326 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Gilchrist County?
Adjudication is withheld in 35.9% 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 Gilchrist County?
The average sentence is 2.5 months, with an average fine of $99.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
48.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 6.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Gilchrist 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 · 326 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026