Battery in Polk County, Florida

5,519
Total Cases
61.5%
Guilty Rate
18.9%
Withheld Rate
2.4%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 5,519 Battery cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 61.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.9% had adjudication withheld, and 2.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 3 months, with an average fine of $228.82. 14.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.0% used a public defender.

Facing Battery charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
61.5% (3,396)
Withheld
18.9% (1,045)
Diversion
9.8% (543)
Dismissed
2.4% (135)
Acquitted
3.0% (168)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 3 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 7 months
Avg Probation
$228.82
Avg Fine
12.1%
Prison Rate
29.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,610 4.6 months
State Prison Facility 668 3.3 years

Counsel Analysis

2,225
Self or Unrepresented
57.8% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
1,765
Public Defender
72.7% guilty · 2.2% dismissed
823
Private Attorney
62.1% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
7
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
71.4% guilty · 14.3% 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 3,547 58.1% 2.5%
Black 1,921 67.8% 2.3%
Asian 44 61.4% 4.5%

Age Distribution

7.5%
Under 21
26.9%
21-29
31.8%
30-39
17.8%
40-49
9.6%
50-59
6.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,591 63.7% 2.3% 1 year, 2 months
2024 2,087 60.9% 2.9% 1 year, 3 months
2025 1,841 60.4% 2.1% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 3,735
Felony Third Degree 1,635
Felony Second Degree 121
Felony First Degree 27
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

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%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%
Sex Offense 2,588 57.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Battery in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 61.5% based on 5,519 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Battery in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.9% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 3 months, with an average fine of $228.82.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 14.9% 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 · 5,519 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026