Arson in Palm Beach County, Florida

51
Total Cases
68.6%
Guilty Rate
15.7%
Withheld Rate
2.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 51 Arson cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 68.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 15.7% had adjudication withheld, and 2.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.4 years. 37.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 62.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
68.6% (35)
Withheld
15.7% (8)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
2.0% (1)
Acquitted
7.8% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.4 years
Avg Sentence
1 year
Median Sentence
4.1 years
Avg Probation
52.9%
Prison Rate
31.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 27 3.5 years
County Jail 16 6.6 months

Counsel Analysis

32
Public Defender
71.9% guilty · 3.1% dismissed
19
Private Attorney
63.2% guilty · 0.0% 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
White 31 64.5% 3.2%
Black 20 75.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

9.8%
Under 21
27.5%
21-29
27.5%
30-39
19.6%
40-49
5.9%
50-59
9.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 25 80.0% 4.0% 3.1 years
2024 9 66.7% 0.0% 1 year, 6 months
2025 17 52.9% 0.0% 1 year, 11 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 32
Felony First Degree 15
Felony Third Degree 4

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Arson in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 68.6% based on 51 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Arson in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 15.7% 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 Arson in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 2.4 years.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
62.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 37.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 51 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026