Child Abuse / Neglect in Highlands County, Florida

99
Total Cases
75.8%
Guilty Rate
18.2%
Withheld Rate
2.0%
Dismissal Rate
3.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 99 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 75.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.2% had adjudication withheld, and 2.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.2 years, with an average fine of $336.80. 6.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 23.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
75.8% (75)
Withheld
18.2% (18)
Diversion
1.0% (1)
Dismissed
2.0% (2)
Acquitted
1.0% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.2 years
Avg Sentence
1 year, 6 months
Median Sentence
3.7 years
Avg Probation
$336.80
Avg Fine
23.2%
Prison Rate
17.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 23 5.2 years
County Jail 17 6.7 months

Counsel Analysis

23
Public Defender
82.6% guilty · 4.3% dismissed
6
Private Attorney
33.3% 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 77 74.0% 1.3%
Black 22 81.8% 4.5%

Age Distribution

6.1%
Under 21
19.2%
21-29
42.4%
30-39
24.2%
40-49
4.0%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 17 76.5% 0.0% 3.2 years
2024 48 75.0% 4.2% 3.5 years
2025 34 76.5% 0.0% 2.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 64
Misdemeanor First Degree 26
Felony First Degree 4
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3
Felony Second Degree 2

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%
Battery 647 82.7% 2.8%
Trespassing 403 84.4% 4.0%
Fraud 300 86.3% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 75.8% based on 99 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.2% 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 Child Abuse / Neglect in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 3.2 years, with an average fine of $336.80.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
23.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 6.1% 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 · 99 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026