Battery in Palm Beach County, Florida

7,373
Total Cases
46.0%
Guilty Rate
13.3%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
9.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 7,373 Battery cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 46.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 13.3% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.2 months, with an average fine of $455.00. 32.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 63.8% used a public defender.

Facing Battery charges in Palm Beach County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
46.0% (3,395)
Withheld
13.3% (983)
Diversion
36.2% (2,666)
Dismissed
1.1% (80)
Acquitted
1.3% (97)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.2 months
Avg Sentence
2.2 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 8 months
Avg Probation
$455.00
Avg Fine
6.2%
Prison Rate
39.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,938 3.1 months
State Prison Facility 455 4.0 years

Counsel Analysis

4,702
Public Defender
51.6% guilty · 1.3% dismissed
2,357
Private Attorney
35.7% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
314
Self or Unrepresented
41.4% 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 3,993 38.4% 1.0%
Black 3,351 55.4% 1.1%
Asian 16 31.2% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.6%
Under 21
26.7%
21-29
31.4%
30-39
18.2%
40-49
9.8%
50-59
7.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,238 47.5% 1.4% 9.8 months
2024 2,437 47.9% 1.4% 8.6 months
2025 2,698 43.1% 0.5% 9.2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 5,980
Felony Third Degree 1,065
Felony Second Degree 282
Felony First Degree 43
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2
Felony Life 1

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%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%
Sex Offense 2,820 88.7% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Battery in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 46.0% based on 7,373 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Battery in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.3% 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 Battery in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 9.2 months, with an average fine of $455.00.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
63.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 32.0% 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 · 7,373 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026