Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A sentencing outcome where the judge finds the defendant guilty but does not formally enter a conviction. This means no conviction on the defendant's record, and many civil rights (like voting) are preserved.
Category: Sentencing · Statute: F.S. 948.01 · Source: Florida Legislature
Florida Statute 948.01 — Withholding AdjudicationFlorida judges may withhold adjudication for certain offenses, placing the defendant on probation without a formal conviction on their record.
Benefits of Withhold
- No formal conviction on your record
- Can legally say you were not convicted on most applications
- Eligible to seal or expunge the record (in most cases)
- Civil rights preserved (voting, jury service)
Limitations
- The arrest and charge still show on background checks
- Cannot be withheld for certain serious felonies (DUI, sex offenses, some violent crimes)
- Counts as a prior offense if charged again with the same crime
- Federal background checks may still show the charge