Arson in Polk County, Florida
35 cases (2023-2025) · Polk County courts
Updated July 2026 · 2023-2025 data
Polk County diverges sharply from statewide norms with minimal withheld adjudications at 2.9% versus 10.3% statewide. The 57.1% guilty rate combined with just 2.9% withheld means conviction is the primary outcome. The 2.9% diversion and 5.7% acquittal rates offer limited exits, while 0% dismissals show cases proceed to trial. This pattern reflects a conviction-oriented system.
Convicted defendants face substantial sentences averaging 2,443 days with probation extending 2,009 days. The median of 1,582 days indicates mid-range cases exceed 4 years incarceration. Prison confinement reaches 51.4%, the highest among peer counties. Fines average $616.84, substantially exceeding other counties. Counsel splits evenly between private and public defenders.
Figures cover 35 cases (2023-2025) — fewer than 30 cases resolved in 2025, so multi-year figures are shown.
Outcome Breakdown (2023-2025)
Exhibit · Case outcomes (2023-2025)
Largest outcomeGuilty — 57.1% of 35 cases.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 35 cases · 2023-2025 — FloridaCourtFile.com
Sentencing Breakdown (2023-2025)
Exhibit · Sentencing when convicted (2023-2025)
Confinement-type detail below is computed across all available years (2023-2025).
| Confinement Type | Count | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| State Prison Facility | 18 | 7.3 years |
| County Jail | 2 | 10.0 months |
Convicted defendants' full sentencing detail — sentence ranges, fines, prison vs. probation odds: Arson sentencing in Polk County.
Counsel Analysis (2023-2025)
Demographics (2023-2025)
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 | 29 | 58.6% | 0.0% |
Age Distribution (2023-2025)
Year-Over-Year Trends
Exhibit · Disposition trends
| Year | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | 87.5% | 0.0% | 4.5 years |
| 2024 | 12 | 33.3% | 0.0% | 5.3 years |
| 2025 | 15 | 60.0% | 0.0% | 9.0 years |
Charge Level Breakdown
| Level | Degree | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Third Degree | 13 |
| Felony | Second Degree | 12 |
| Felony | First Degree | 10 |
Related Charges in Polk County
Rates shown are 2025 unless marked otherwise.
| Charge | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Offense | 7,806 | 51.7% | 0.2% |
| Drug Possession | 5,912 | 81.5% | 0.1% |
| Other | 3,574 | 39.9% | 5.6% |
| Larceny / Theft | 2,655 | 69.9% | 0.5% |
| Resisting Officer | 2,437 | 77.1% | 0.7% |
| Battery | 1,830 | 62.5% | 2.6% |
| Trespassing | 1,467 | 77.6% | 3.8% |
| DUI | 964 | 97.8% | 0.4% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the guilty rate for Arson in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 57.1% based on 35 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Arson in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 2.9% of cases (2023-2025). 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 6.7 years, with an average fine of $617 (2023-2025).
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
37.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 37.1% retain private counsel (2023-2025).
Cite this page
FloridaCourtFile.com (2026). Arson in Polk County, Florida (2023-2025). Based on 35 public court records; last updated July 2026. https://www.floridacourtfile.com/charges/arson/polk
About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 35 cases (2023-2025) · Data last updated July 2026 — FloridaCourtFile.com