Last updated September 2025
If you’ve been charged with a crime in Florida, one possible outcome is a withhold of adjudication. This unique option allows a judge to place you on probation without formally convicting you. While this can be a major advantage, it also comes with limits you should understand.
📜 What Does Withhold of Adjudication Mean?
Under Florida law, when a judge withholds adjudication, they do not enter a formal conviction against you. Instead, you are placed on probation and required to complete certain conditions (community service, fines, classes, etc.).
If you successfully complete probation, you avoid a criminal conviction on your record.
✅ Benefits of Withhold of Adjudication
No Conviction: You are not considered “convicted” of the offense.
Voting & Civil Rights: You do not lose rights such as voting or serving on a jury (unless it is for certain felonies).
Employment Advantages: Many employers only ask about convictions, so a withhold can protect job opportunities.
Eligibility for Sealing: Some cases may later be eligible for record sealing if adjudication was withheld.
⚠️ Limits of Withhold of Adjudication
A withhold is not a free pass. There are important limits, including:
Firearm Rights: You may still lose your right to own or possess firearms for certain felony charges.
Habitualization: Withholds still count for purposes of being classified as a habitual offender.
Immigration Consequences: Immigration authorities may still treat a withhold as a conviction.
Repeat Use: You generally cannot receive multiple withholds for the same type of offense.
See Florida Statute §948.01 for more details on probation and withholds.
📣 Facing Criminal Charges in Florida?
A withhold of adjudication may be the best option to protect your future — but it isn’t available in every case. An experienced defense attorney can negotiate for it and explain how it applies to your situation.
👉 Schedule a Free Consultation
👉 Learn more about Sealing & Expungement options.
❓ FAQs
❓ What is a withhold of adjudication in Florida?
It means the judge does not formally convict you, instead placing you on probation.
🙋 What are the benefits of a withhold of adjudication?
You avoid a conviction, keep many civil rights, and may later be eligible to seal your record.
⚖️ Are there limits to a withhold of adjudication?
Yes. It may still affect firearms rights, immigration status, and repeat offender status.
🛡️ Can a withhold of adjudication be used for any crime?
No. Withholds are typically limited to certain non-violent offenses and first-time offenders.
🕒 Can a case with a withhold of adjudication be sealed?
Yes — if you meet the eligibility criteria, you may petition to have your record sealed.