Child Abuse / Neglect in Hernando County, Florida

112
Total Cases
53.6%
Guilty Rate
25.0%
Withheld Rate
1.8%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 112 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Hernando County (2023-2025), 53.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 25.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $450.57. 2.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 25.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
53.6% (60)
Withheld
25.0% (28)
Diversion
18.8% (21)
Dismissed
1.8% (2)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence
9.5 months
Median Sentence
3.0 years
Avg Probation
$450.57
Avg Fine
15.2%
Prison Rate
33.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 38 4.3 months
State Prison Facility 17 4.1 years

Counsel Analysis

29
Public Defender
48.3% guilty · 3.4% dismissed
23
Other
47.8% 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 87 46.0% 2.3%
Black 18 83.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

28.6%
Under 21
22.3%
21-29
25.0%
30-39
17.9%
40-49
6.2%
50-59
0.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 46 28.3% 2.2% 1 year, 2 months
2024 40 70.0% 0.0% 1 year, 10 months
2025 26 73.1% 3.8% 1 year, 7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 55
Misdemeanor First Degree 46
Misdemeanor Second Degree 6
Felony Second Degree 5

Related Charges in Hernando County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 3,268 67.9% 2.8%
Larceny / Theft 2,833 48.5% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 2,485 73.5% 0.2%
Battery 1,342 56.3% 1.2%
Other 1,270 64.7% 5.1%
Resisting Officer 796 75.1% 0.4%
Trespassing 694 87.9% 0.4%
DUI 660 98.3% 0.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hernando County?
The guilty rate is 53.6% based on 112 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hernando County?
Adjudication is withheld in 25.0% 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 Child Abuse / Neglect in Hernando County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $450.57.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
25.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hernando 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 · 112 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026