⚖️ Adjudication vs. Withhold of Adjudication in Florida: What Fort Lauderdale Defendants Should Know
If you’re charged with a crime in Florida, the difference between being adjudicated guilty and receiving a withhold of adjudication could shape your future. These outcomes can determine whether you keep your civil rights, qualify for a job, or ever have the chance to seal your record.
At Michael White, P.A., we fight for outcomes that protect your future—and that often means working hard to secure a withhold.
📍 Proudly serving clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
❌ What Happens If You're Adjudicated Guilty?
An adjudication of guilt is a formal conviction. Once a Florida court adjudicates you guilty:
- 🔒 Employment and housing opportunities
- 🧾 Certain professional licenses
- 🔫 The right to own firearms
- ⚖️ The ability to serve on a jury
- At Michael White, P.A., we fight for outcomes that protect your future—and that often means working hard to secure a withhold.
- 📍 Proudly serving clients across Fort Lauderdale and South Florida.
➡️ A conviction doesn’t just follow you—it defines your legal status unless you receive clemency, which is extremely rare.
✅ What Is a Withhold of Adjudication?
A withhold of adjudication means the court imposes a sentence without formally convicting you. In simple terms, you may be found guilty, but you’re not “convicted” under Florida law.
This outcome:
- Allows you to answer “No” to “Have you ever been convicted of a crime?”
- Preserves rights you would otherwise lose
- Keeps the door open to seal your record in the future
🙋♂️ Judges often consider withholds when:
- It’s your first offense
- Your behavior is out of character
- You’ve taken responsibility or completed a diversion program
🎯 Key Advantages of a Withhold in Fort Lauderdale
A withhold offers real, life-changing benefits for South Florida defendants:
- 🚫 DUI charges = Mandatory adjudication (no withhold allowed)
- 🚫 Capital, life, and first-degree felonies are not eligible
- ⚖️ Second-degree felonies can only be withheld if:
- The prosecutor requests it, or
- The court makes specific findings that justify the withhold
- ⛔ Already had a withhold? A second one isn’t allowed unless one of the same two conditions applies
📝 Important: For sentencing “scoresheets,” withholds and adjudications are treated the same.
🌎 Outside Florida, Withholds May Not Protect You
⚠️ Even if you receive a withhold in Florida, the federal system and most other states treat it as a conviction.
This matters if you:
- Apply for a federal job or benefit
- Travel or relocate out of state
- Face federal criminal charges in the future
➡️ Bottom line: A withhold is a Florida-specific protection—it’s powerful but not bulletproof.
🛡️ We Fight to Secure Withholds in Fort Lauderdale Criminal Cases
At Michael White, P.A., we work tirelessly to protect your rights and minimize long-term consequences. In many cases, that means negotiating or arguing for a withhold of adjudication to safeguard your record, civil rights, and reputation.
📞 Call (954) 350-0595 or schedule a free consultation to speak directly with a Fort Lauderdale defense attorney who understands the real-world impact of adjudication and knows how to fight for the best possible outcome.
Need a Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale or South Florida to Help You Get a Withhold of Adjudication?
💬 FAQs About Withholds and Adjudications in Florida
Q: Can a withhold help me avoid a criminal record?
A: Yes. A withhold means no formal conviction, and in many cases, the charge can be sealed later.
Q: Will employers see a withhold?
A: Possibly. While it’s not a conviction, background checks may still show the charge unless sealed
Q: Can I receive a withhold if I already had one in the past?
A: Only if the prosecutor agrees or the court makes special findings. Otherwise, no.