Weapons Offense in Manatee County, Florida

525
Total Cases
80.6%
Guilty Rate
15.0%
Withheld Rate
1.3%
Dismissal Rate
4.5 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 525 Weapons Offense cases in Manatee County (2023-2025), 80.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 15.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.5 years, with an average fine of $3,772. 6.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 37.5% used a public defender.

Facing Weapons Offense charges in Manatee County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
80.6% (423)
Withheld
15.0% (79)
Diversion
1.5% (8)
Dismissed
1.3% (7)
Acquitted
0.4% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.5 years
Avg Sentence
3.0 years
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$3,772
Avg Fine
48.2%
Prison Rate
11.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 253 5.4 years
County Jail 62 8.9 months

Counsel Analysis

197
Public Defender
81.2% guilty · 1.5% dismissed
36
Private Attorney
58.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
7
Self or Unrepresented
42.9% guilty · 14.3% 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
Black 275 82.9% 1.5%
White 236 78.8% 1.3%

Age Distribution

20.8%
Under 21
30.9%
21-29
24.6%
30-39
16.0%
40-49
5.9%
50-59
1.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 195 78.5% 1.0% 4.3 years
2024 143 83.9% 1.4% 5.1 years
2025 187 80.2% 1.6% 4.3 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 334
Felony Third Degree 115
Misdemeanor First Degree 57
Misdemeanor Second Degree 18
Felony First Degree 1

Related Charges in Manatee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 14,788 44.5% 2.5%
Drug Possession 5,094 65.7% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 2,751 58.6% 3.5%
Battery 1,908 57.1% 4.4%
Other 1,811 48.3% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 1,585 71.0% 3.7%
Trespassing 1,194 72.9% 7.6%
Fraud 1,003 68.3% 1.1%

Need a Defense Attorney in Manatee County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Weapons Offense cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Weapons Offense in Manatee County?
The guilty rate is 80.6% based on 525 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Manatee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 15.0% 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 Manatee County?
The average sentence is 4.5 years, with an average fine of $3,772.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
37.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 6.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Manatee 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 · 525 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026