Traffic Offense in Palm Beach County, Florida

62,740
Total Cases
24.1%
Guilty Rate
15.7%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
1.5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 62,740 Traffic Offense cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 24.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 15.7% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1.5 months, with an average fine of $262.93. 29.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 27.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
24.1% (15,144)
Withheld
15.7% (9,863)
Diversion
59.1% (37,049)
Dismissed
1.0% (649)
Acquitted
0.0% (17)

Sentencing Breakdown

1.5 months
Avg Sentence
11 days
Median Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
$262.93
Avg Fine
0.1%
Prison Rate
6.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 3,947 29 days
State Prison Facility 48 3.3 years

Counsel Analysis

26,992
Self or Unrepresented
11.3% guilty · 1.7% dismissed
18,395
Private Attorney
20.3% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
17,353
Public Defender
48.2% guilty · 0.8% 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 41,786 21.1% 0.9%
Black 18,424 32.6% 1.3%
Asian 569 15.1% 0.9%
American Indian or Alaska Native 25 20.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

8.0%
Under 21
31.0%
21-29
30.0%
30-39
17.7%
40-49
8.5%
50-59
4.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 21,589 23.2% 1.1% 1.5 months
2024 22,573 23.3% 1.5% 1.5 months
2025 18,578 26.3% 0.4% 1.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 55,913
Misdemeanor First Degree 4,784
Misdemeanor Not Applicable 1,912
Felony Third Degree 131

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%
Sex Offense 2,820 88.7% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 24.1% based on 62,740 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 15.7% 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 Traffic Offense in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 1.5 months, with an average fine of $262.93.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
27.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 29.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 62,740 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026