Contempt of Court in Palm Beach County, Florida

693
Total Cases
68.5%
Guilty Rate
10.8%
Withheld Rate
6.5%
Dismissal Rate
4.6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 693 Contempt of Court cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 68.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 10.8% had adjudication withheld, and 6.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.6 months, with an average fine of $337.50. 30.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 60.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
68.5% (475)
Withheld
10.8% (75)
Diversion
10.8% (75)
Dismissed
6.5% (45)
Acquitted
0.9% (6)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.6 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
11.5 months
Avg Probation
$337.50
Avg Fine
0.6%
Prison Rate
62.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 434 4.3 months
State Prison Facility 4 2.5 years

Counsel Analysis

417
Public Defender
78.9% guilty · 2.4% dismissed
211
Private Attorney
53.6% guilty · 7.6% dismissed
65
Self or Unrepresented
50.8% guilty · 29.2% 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 452 64.6% 5.3%
Black 225 78.2% 6.2%

Age Distribution

0.9%
Under 21
15.8%
21-29
34.2%
30-39
27.7%
40-49
12.7%
50-59
8.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 224 72.3% 6.7% 5.6 months
2024 253 70.8% 7.5% 3.6 months
2025 216 62.0% 5.1% 4.7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 605
Misdemeanor Second Degree 79
Felony Third Degree 9

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 Contempt of Court in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 68.5% based on 693 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Contempt of Court in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 10.8% 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 Contempt of Court in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 4.6 months, with an average fine of $337.50.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
60.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 30.4% 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 · 693 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026