Child Abuse / Neglect in Hillsborough County, Florida

922
Total Cases
45.4%
Guilty Rate
32.9%
Withheld Rate
0.9%
Dismissal Rate
5.3 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 922 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 45.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 32.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.3 years, with an average fine of $950.40. 72.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 27.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
45.4% (419)
Withheld
32.9% (303)
Diversion
16.1% (148)
Dismissed
0.9% (8)
Acquitted
0.7% (6)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.3 years
Avg Sentence
3.3 years
Median Sentence
4.1 years
Avg Probation
$950.40
Avg Fine
24.7%
Prison Rate
10.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 228 6.8 years
County Jail 95 8.1 months

Counsel Analysis

672
Private Attorney
44.6% guilty · 0.9% dismissed
250
Public Defender
47.6% guilty · 0.8% 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
Black 419 42.7% 0.7%
White 417 46.8% 1.0%
Asian 60 63.3% 1.7%

Age Distribution

6.6%
Under 21
40.3%
21-29
31.0%
30-39
11.0%
40-49
9.6%
50-59
1.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 271 52.4% 1.8% 3.3 years
2024 383 29.0% 0.3% 2.9 years
2025 268 61.9% 0.7% 8.2 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 598
Felony Second Degree 110
Misdemeanor First Degree 95
Misdemeanor Second Degree 87
Felony First Degree 31
Felony Life 1

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Drug Possession 17,469 71.8% 1.9%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 45.4% based on 922 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 32.9% 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 Child Abuse / Neglect in Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 5.3 years, with an average fine of $950.40.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
27.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 72.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 922 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026