Contempt of Court in Highlands County, Florida

87
Total Cases
96.6%
Guilty Rate
1.1%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
5.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 87 Contempt of Court cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 96.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 1.1% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $203.04. 10.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 44.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.6% (84)
Withheld
1.1% (1)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.1% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.2 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
11.6 months
Avg Probation
$203.04
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
62.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 54 5.2 months

Counsel Analysis

39
Public Defender
94.9% guilty · 2.6% dismissed
9
Private Attorney
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Self or Unrepresented
100.0% 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 66 95.5% 1.5%
Black 18 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.6%
Under 21
18.4%
21-29
25.3%
30-39
28.7%
40-49
11.5%
50-59
11.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 31 100.0% 0.0% 5.3 months
2024 20 95.0% 5.0% 4.8 months
2025 36 94.4% 0.0% 5.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 74
Not Applicable Not Applicable 13

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 Contempt of Court in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 96.6% based on 87 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Contempt of Court in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 1.1% 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 Contempt of Court in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $203.04.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
44.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 10.3% 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 · 87 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026