Weapons Offense in Broward County, Florida

Weapons offense cases in Broward County result in conviction at notably high rates compared to statewide patterns. Guilty verdicts occur in 63.7 percent of cases, while adjudication withheld—a Florida outcome where judges find guilt but spare the formal conviction record—reaches 30.1 percent, far above the statewide average of 11 percent. Combined, these outcomes affect 93.8 percent of defendants. Dismissals occur in only 2.4 percent of cases, slightly higher than the statewide average of 1.4 percent. The low diversion rate of 3.2 percent suggests Broward's prosecution approach emphasizes traditional adjudication over pre-trial alternatives for weapons charges.

Sentencing reflects the seriousness with which these cases are pursued. Average sentences span 1,102 days, though the median of 548 days indicates significant variation in case outcomes. Probation is nearly universal, averaging 1,096 days. About one-third of defendants receive prison time, while 17.7 percent serve jail sentences, meaning roughly half face some form of confinement. The split between prison and jail reflects differences in sentence length and offense severity within the weapons category.

2.4% of Weapons Offense cases in Broward County are dismissed, and 30.1% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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1,390
Total Cases
63.7%
Guilty Rate
30.1%
Withheld Rate
2.4%
Dismissal Rate
3.0 years
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
63.7% (886)
Withheld
30.1% (419)
Diversion
3.2% (44)
Dismissed
2.4% (34)
Acquitted
0.5% (7)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.0 years
Avg Sentence
1 year, 6 months
Median Sentence
3.0 years
Avg Probation
32.0%
Prison Rate
17.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 445 4.3 years
County Jail 246 7.7 months

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
Black 1,109 67.4% 2.0%
Not Available 267 49.1% 4.1%

Age Distribution

18.6%
Under 21
31.3%
21-29
28.9%
30-39
13.3%
40-49
5.2%
50-59
2.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 443 50.1% 1.4% 2.4 years
2024 523 67.1% 2.7% 2.7 years
2025 424 73.8% 3.3% 3.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 709
Felony Third Degree 330
Misdemeanor First Degree 221
Misdemeanor Second Degree 123
Felony First Degree 7

Related Charges in Broward County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 20,241 20.4% 1.2%
Larceny / Theft 8,143 61.5% 1.1%
Drug Possession 5,290 56.2% 7.8%
Resisting Officer 4,126 51.8% 3.0%
Trespassing 3,442 51.5% 3.2%
Other 3,123 32.6% 26.9%
Battery 2,519 51.1% 5.5%
DUI 2,395 83.5% 3.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Weapons Offense in Broward County?
The guilty rate is 63.7% based on 1,390 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Broward County?
Adjudication is withheld in 30.1% 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 Weapons Offense in Broward County?
The average sentence is 3.0 years.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Broward 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 · 1,390 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026