Vehicle Theft in Bay County, Florida

285
Total Cases
78.9%
Guilty Rate
10.2%
Withheld Rate
4.9%
Dismissal Rate
2.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 285 Vehicle Theft cases in Bay County (2023-2025), 78.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 10.2% had adjudication withheld, and 4.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.2 years, with an average fine of $650.19. 12.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 17.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
78.9% (225)
Withheld
10.2% (29)
Diversion
2.8% (8)
Dismissed
4.9% (14)
Acquitted
0.4% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.2 years
Avg Sentence
2.0 years
Median Sentence
3.0 years
Avg Probation
$650.19
Avg Fine
42.5%
Prison Rate
6.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 121 2.3 years
County Jail 17 1 year, 2 months

Counsel Analysis

51
Public Defender
76.5% guilty · 5.9% dismissed
36
Private Attorney
80.6% guilty · 16.7% 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 205 82.4% 2.9%
Black 72 70.8% 9.7%

Age Distribution

15.1%
Under 21
25.3%
21-29
31.9%
30-39
19.6%
40-49
5.6%
50-59
2.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 97 86.6% 3.1% 2.1 years
2024 104 78.8% 3.8% 2.4 years
2025 84 70.2% 8.3% 1 year, 12 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 285

Related Charges in Bay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 10,278 68.5% 1.3%
Traffic Offense 7,784 49.0% 0.6%
Other 4,574 38.9% 1.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,746 63.0% 1.7%
Battery 3,286 64.0% 2.9%
DUI 2,034 97.3% 1.3%
Resisting Officer 2,002 70.1% 1.9%
Fraud 1,750 53.4% 1.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Vehicle Theft in Bay County?
The guilty rate is 78.9% based on 285 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Vehicle Theft in Bay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 10.2% 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 Vehicle Theft in Bay County?
The average sentence is 2.2 years, with an average fine of $650.19.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
17.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 12.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Bay 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 · 285 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026