Child Abuse / Neglect in Palm Beach County, Florida

609
Total Cases
32.8%
Guilty Rate
13.8%
Withheld Rate
0.3%
Dismissal Rate
4.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 609 Child Abuse / Neglect cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 32.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 13.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.2 years. 41.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 40.9% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
32.8% (200)
Withheld
13.8% (84)
Diversion
52.1% (317)
Dismissed
0.3% (2)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.2 years
Avg Sentence
1 year
Median Sentence
3.2 years
Avg Probation
18.7%
Prison Rate
19.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 117 2.5 months
State Prison Facility 114 8.2 years

Counsel Analysis

254
Private Attorney
46.9% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
249
Public Defender
30.1% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
106
Self or Unrepresented
5.7% 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 323 41.2% 0.6%
Black 264 25.4% 0.0%
Asian 16 0.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

7.6%
Under 21
20.7%
21-29
37.3%
30-39
16.9%
40-49
6.7%
50-59
10.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 251 40.2% 0.8% 7.1 years
2024 182 26.9% 0.0% 1 year, 1 months
2025 176 28.4% 0.0% 1 year, 4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 347
Misdemeanor Second Degree 135
Felony Second Degree 58
Misdemeanor First Degree 58
Felony First Degree 11

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Child Abuse / Neglect in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 32.8% based on 609 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Child Abuse / Neglect in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.8% 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 4.2 years.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
40.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 41.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 609 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026