Child Abuse / Neglect in Hardee County, Florida

29
Total Cases
37.9%
Guilty Rate
27.6%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 8 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 29 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Hardee County (2023-2025), 37.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 27.6% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 8 months, with an average fine of $428.86. 27.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 44.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
37.9% (11)
Withheld
27.6% (8)
Diversion
31.0% (9)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 8 months
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
2.5 years
Avg Probation
$428.86
Avg Fine
10.3%
Prison Rate
10.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 3 2.8 years
County Jail 3 5.3 months

Counsel Analysis

13
Public Defender
38.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
Private Attorney
37.5% 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 19 42.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

10.3%
Under 21
27.6%
21-29
41.4%
30-39
13.8%
40-49
3.4%
50-59
3.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 8 62.5% 0.0% 9.4 months
2025 18 22.2% 0.0% 5.0 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 14
Misdemeanor First Degree 12
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3

Related Charges in Hardee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,107 56.1% 13.6%
Drug Possession 628 78.5% 1.0%
Other 292 67.8% 10.3%
Battery 243 62.1% 11.1%
Resisting Officer 209 80.4% 2.9%
Trespassing 153 51.0% 17.0%
Larceny / Theft 144 68.8% 6.9%
DUI 124 98.4% 1.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hardee County?
The guilty rate is 37.9% based on 29 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hardee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 27.6% 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 Child Abuse / Neglect in Hardee County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 8 months, with an average fine of $428.86.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
44.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 27.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hardee 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 · 29 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026