Contempt of Court in Hillsborough County, Florida

819
Total Cases
71.2%
Guilty Rate
13.3%
Withheld Rate
5.5%
Dismissal Rate
5.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 819 Contempt of Court cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 71.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 13.3% had adjudication withheld, and 5.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.7 months, with an average fine of $135.00. 44.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 55.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
71.2% (583)
Withheld
13.3% (109)
Diversion
7.4% (61)
Dismissed
5.5% (45)
Acquitted
0.5% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.7 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 2 months
Avg Probation
$135.00
Avg Fine
0.5%
Prison Rate
22.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 180 4.9 months
State Prison Facility 4 3.5 years

Counsel Analysis

456
Public Defender
74.8% guilty · 7.5% dismissed
361
Private Attorney
66.5% guilty · 3.0% 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 516 67.2% 4.7%
Black 267 82.0% 4.9%
Asian 19 26.3% 42.1%

Age Distribution

2.6%
Under 21
17.1%
21-29
39.9%
30-39
25.2%
40-49
10.0%
50-59
5.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 272 72.1% 7.4% 6.1 months
2024 202 69.3% 5.9% 3.9 months
2025 345 71.6% 3.8% 6.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 756
Felony Third Degree 43
Misdemeanor Second Degree 20

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 Contempt of Court in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 71.2% based on 819 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Contempt of Court in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.3% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 5.7 months, with an average fine of $135.00.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
55.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 44.1% 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 · 819 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026