Battery in Highlands County, Florida

647
Total Cases
82.7%
Guilty Rate
8.2%
Withheld Rate
2.8%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 647 Battery cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 82.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.2% had adjudication withheld, and 2.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $258.82. 5.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 59.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
82.7% (535)
Withheld
8.2% (53)
Diversion
0.2% (1)
Dismissed
2.8% (18)
Acquitted
0.3% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence
6.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
$258.82
Avg Fine
11.7%
Prison Rate
42.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 275 5.7 months
State Prison Facility 76 3.6 years

Counsel Analysis

387
Public Defender
85.0% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
37
Private Attorney
67.6% guilty · 5.4% dismissed
17
Self or Unrepresented
64.7% guilty · 17.6% 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 437 81.2% 3.0%
Black 197 85.8% 2.0%

Age Distribution

6.0%
Under 21
22.1%
21-29
35.4%
30-39
15.8%
40-49
10.7%
50-59
10.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 181 86.7% 1.1% 1 year, 3 months
2024 223 83.0% 4.0% 11.3 months
2025 243 79.4% 2.9% 1 year, 4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 411
Felony Third Degree 202
Felony Second Degree 28
Felony First Degree 6

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%
Trespassing 403 84.4% 4.0%
Fraud 300 86.3% 0.3%
Sex Offense 269 86.2% 3.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Battery in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 82.7% based on 647 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Battery in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.2% 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 Battery in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $258.82.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
59.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 5.7% 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 · 647 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026