Traffic Offense in Sarasota County, Florida

11,831
Total Cases
40.4%
Guilty Rate
32.6%
Withheld Rate
2.2%
Dismissal Rate
5.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 11,831 Traffic Offense cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 40.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 32.6% had adjudication withheld, and 2.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $568.12. 0.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

Facing Traffic Offense charges in Sarasota County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
40.4% (4,784)
Withheld
32.6% (3,852)
Diversion
24.1% (2,853)
Dismissed
2.2% (261)
Acquitted
0.1% (7)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.2 months
Avg Sentence
15 days
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$568.12
Avg Fine
0.4%
Prison Rate
6.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 786 2.3 months
State Prison Facility 50 4.2 years

Counsel Analysis

27
Private Attorney
55.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
7
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
100.0% 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 5,780 45.3% 2.7%
Black 1,659 60.0% 2.4%
Asian 88 22.7% 3.4%
American Indian or Alaska Native 18 27.8% 5.6%

Age Distribution

7.9%
Under 21
28.2%
21-29
28.5%
30-39
19.2%
40-49
10.4%
50-59
5.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 4,239 36.2% 1.7% 4.3 months
2024 4,035 39.2% 2.3% 9.2 months
2025 3,557 46.9% 2.6% 3.7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 10,508
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,055
Felony Third Degree 268

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 7,590 72.3% 1.9%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
DUI 2,300 96.5% 1.0%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%
Trespassing 1,618 73.1% 9.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 40.4% based on 11,831 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 32.6% 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $568.12.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 11,831 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026