Assault in Highlands County, Florida

155
Total Cases
76.1%
Guilty Rate
10.3%
Withheld Rate
3.9%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 155 Assault cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 76.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 10.3% had adjudication withheld, and 3.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $301.52. 3.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 41.9% used a public defender.

Facing Assault charges in Highlands County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
76.1% (118)
Withheld
10.3% (16)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
3.9% (6)
Acquitted
0.6% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
2.7 years
Avg Probation
$301.52
Avg Fine
14.8%
Prison Rate
33.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 52 2.9 months
State Prison Facility 23 4.3 years

Counsel Analysis

65
Public Defender
73.8% guilty · 4.6% dismissed
6
Private Attorney
50.0% 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 103 72.8% 2.9%
Black 51 82.4% 5.9%

Age Distribution

10.3%
Under 21
15.5%
21-29
29.7%
30-39
15.5%
40-49
18.1%
50-59
11.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 47 74.5% 4.3% 1 year, 8 months
2024 46 76.1% 4.3% 1 year, 8 months
2025 62 77.4% 3.2% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 64
Misdemeanor Second Degree 53
Misdemeanor First Degree 30
Felony Second Degree 8

Related Charges in Highlands County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 2,376 58.4% 2.1%
Drug Possession 1,896 91.5% 0.5%
Other 934 68.0% 10.0%
Larceny / Theft 792 87.2% 1.4%
Resisting Officer 688 88.4% 2.8%
Battery 647 82.7% 2.8%
Trespassing 403 84.4% 4.0%
Fraud 300 86.3% 0.3%

Need a Defense Attorney in Highlands County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Assault cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Assault in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 76.1% based on 155 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Assault in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 10.3% 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 Assault in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $301.52.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
41.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Highlands 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 · 155 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026