Traffic Offense in Pinellas County, Florida

18,743
Total Cases
72.7%
Guilty Rate
24.7%
Withheld Rate
1.6%
Dismissal Rate
3.0 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 18,743 Traffic Offense cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 72.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 24.7% had adjudication withheld, and 1.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.0 months, with an average fine of $244.27. 1.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 1.0% used a public defender.

Facing Traffic Offense charges in Pinellas County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
72.7% (13,633)
Withheld
24.7% (4,631)
Diversion
0.0% (6)
Dismissed
1.6% (303)
Acquitted
0.1% (18)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.0 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
10.1 months
Avg Probation
$244.27
Avg Fine
1.0%
Prison Rate
32.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 6,022 2.0 months
State Prison Facility 195 2.8 years

Counsel Analysis

18,335
Self or Unrepresented
72.8% guilty · 1.7% dismissed
208
Private Attorney
70.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
192
Public Defender
67.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Conflict Counsel
83.3% 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 7,770 76.1% 2.1%
Black 5,317 79.0% 1.5%
Asian 175 72.6% 6.3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 29 58.6% 3.4%

Age Distribution

5.7%
Under 21
27.9%
21-29
30.5%
30-39
18.5%
40-49
11.1%
50-59
6.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 7,051 69.6% 2.0% 3.2 months
2024 6,221 71.5% 2.1% 3.0 months
2025 5,471 78.2% 0.6% 2.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 15,266
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,573
Felony Third Degree 904

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 21,661 74.6% 1.4%
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
DUI 7,725 97.6% 0.8%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%
Fraud 2,792 73.2% 4.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 72.7% based on 18,743 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 24.7% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 3.0 months, with an average fine of $244.27.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
1.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 18,743 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026