Criminal Mischief in Hardee County, Florida

50
Total Cases
40.0%
Guilty Rate
8.0%
Withheld Rate
32.0%
Dismissal Rate
5.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 50 Criminal Mischief cases in Hardee County (2023-2025), 40.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.0% had adjudication withheld, and 32.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $173.92. 0.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 44.0% used a public defender.

Facing Criminal Mischief charges in Hardee County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
40.0% (20)
Withheld
8.0% (4)
Diversion
18.0% (9)
Dismissed
32.0% (16)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.2 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$173.92
Avg Fine
2.0%
Prison Rate
22.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 11 1.9 months
State Prison Facility 1 3.4 years

Counsel Analysis

22
Public Defender
18.2% guilty · 45.5% 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 38 39.5% 34.2%

Age Distribution

20.0%
Under 21
38.0%
21-29
26.0%
30-39
8.0%
40-49
8.0%
50-59
0.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 15 26.7% 33.3% 1 year, 3 months
2024 14 50.0% 21.4% 2.1 months
2025 21 42.9% 38.1% 1.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 22
Misdemeanor Second Degree 22
Felony Third Degree 6

Related Charges in Hardee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,107 56.1% 13.6%
Drug Possession 628 78.5% 1.0%
Other 292 67.8% 10.3%
Battery 243 62.1% 11.1%
Resisting Officer 209 80.4% 2.9%
Trespassing 153 51.0% 17.0%
Larceny / Theft 144 68.8% 6.9%
DUI 124 98.4% 1.6%

Was Your Case Dismissed?

32.0% of Criminal Mischief cases in Hardee County are dismissed. If your case was dismissed, you may be eligible to have it expunged from your record.

Check Expungement Eligibility

Need a Defense Attorney in Hardee County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Criminal Mischief cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Criminal Mischief in Hardee County?
The guilty rate is 40.0% based on 50 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Criminal Mischief in Hardee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.0% 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 Criminal Mischief in Hardee County?
The average sentence is 5.2 months, with an average fine of $173.92.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
44.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hardee 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 · 50 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026