Assault in Polk County, Florida

1,007
Total Cases
60.5%
Guilty Rate
26.0%
Withheld Rate
1.7%
Dismissal Rate
2.5 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,007 Assault cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 60.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 26.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.7% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.5 years, with an average fine of $308.83. 17.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.3% used a public defender.

Facing Assault charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
60.5% (609)
Withheld
26.0% (262)
Diversion
3.1% (31)
Dismissed
1.7% (17)
Acquitted
3.5% (35)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.5 years
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
2.0 years
Avg Probation
$308.83
Avg Fine
18.5%
Prison Rate
23.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 237 1 year, 11 months
State Prison Facility 186 3.3 years

Counsel Analysis

354
Self or Unrepresented
62.4% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
335
Public Defender
63.6% guilty · 1.8% dismissed
175
Private Attorney
52.0% 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 629 57.1% 1.6%
Black 371 66.0% 1.9%

Age Distribution

7.6%
Under 21
23.3%
21-29
29.9%
30-39
19.1%
40-49
12.8%
50-59
7.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 286 61.5% 1.4% 1 year, 6 months
2024 354 59.9% 2.0% 3.8 years
2025 367 60.2% 1.6% 1 year, 12 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 459
Misdemeanor Second Degree 346
Misdemeanor First Degree 150
Felony Second Degree 52

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Assault in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 60.5% based on 1,007 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Assault in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 26.0% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 2.5 years, with an average fine of $308.83.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 17.4% retain private counsel.

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 · 1,007 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026