Report
Data Analysis Racial Disparities November 15, 2022
Race and Prosecution in Broward County, Florida
This report measures the scope and magnitude of racial and ethnic disparities in prosecutorial outcomes in the Broward State Attorney’s Office, Florida, during 2021.
The data suggest that, compared to Hispanic and White defendants, Black defendants are:
- Least likely to have their case filed for prosecution, especially for felony charges;
- Most likely to have their top charge reduced in severity at filing, as well as increased in severity;
- Most likely to have their case dismissed, whether charged with a felony or a misdemeanor;
- Least likely to have their felony charge reduced after filing; and
- Most likely to receive custodial and time-served-only sentences upon conviction, as compared to non-custodial sentences.
- Especially more likely to receive custodial sentences than White defendants in negotiated pleas, as compared to open pleas.
Compared to similarly situated Black and White defendants, Hispanic defendants are:
- Least likely to experience charge changes at filing;
- Most likely to have their case pursued for prosecution;
- Most likely to have their felony charges reduced at disposition; and
- Least likely to receive jail and prison sentences upon conviction.
