Weapons Offense in Desoto County, Florida

92
Total Cases
84.8%
Guilty Rate
14.1%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
5.5 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 92 Weapons Offense cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 84.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 14.1% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.5 years, with an average fine of $1,960. 10.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 26.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
84.8% (78)
Withheld
14.1% (13)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
1.1% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.5 years
Avg Sentence
3.3 years
Median Sentence
2.4 years
Avg Probation
$1,960
Avg Fine
57.6%
Prison Rate
7.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 53 6.1 years
County Jail 7 9.1 months

Counsel Analysis

24
Public Defender
95.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
10
Private Attorney
50.0% 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 40 92.5% 0.0%
Black 32 78.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.4%
Under 21
28.3%
21-29
41.3%
30-39
15.2%
40-49
4.3%
50-59
5.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 31 77.4% 0.0% 5.8 years
2024 45 86.7% 0.0% 5.9 years
2025 16 93.8% 0.0% 3.7 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 70
Misdemeanor First Degree 11
Felony Third Degree 10
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Weapons Offense in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 84.8% based on 92 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 14.1% 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 Desoto County?
The average sentence is 5.5 years, with an average fine of $1,960.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
26.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 10.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 92 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026