Criminal Mischief in Hernando County, Florida

257
Total Cases
63.4%
Guilty Rate
14.0%
Withheld Rate
0.4%
Dismissal Rate
6.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 257 Criminal Mischief cases in Hernando County (2023-2025), 63.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 14.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.2 months, with an average fine of $206.97. 1.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 25.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
63.4% (163)
Withheld
14.0% (36)
Diversion
20.6% (53)
Dismissed
0.4% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.2 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 5 months
Avg Probation
$206.97
Avg Fine
5.1%
Prison Rate
49.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 127 3.7 months
State Prison Facility 13 2.5 years

Counsel Analysis

66
Public Defender
74.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
66
Other
53.0% guilty · 1.5% dismissed
7
Self or Unrepresented
71.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Private Attorney
60.0% 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 210 62.9% 0.5%
Black 36 69.4% 0.0%

Age Distribution

13.7%
Under 21
20.7%
21-29
34.8%
30-39
18.4%
40-49
8.2%
50-59
4.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 97 67.0% 1.0% 4.8 months
2024 73 57.5% 0.0% 7.3 months
2025 87 64.4% 0.0% 7.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 106
Misdemeanor Second Degree 85
Felony Third Degree 66

Related Charges in Hernando County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 3,268 67.9% 2.8%
Larceny / Theft 2,833 48.5% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 2,485 73.5% 0.2%
Battery 1,342 56.3% 1.2%
Other 1,270 64.7% 5.1%
Resisting Officer 796 75.1% 0.4%
Trespassing 694 87.9% 0.4%
DUI 660 98.3% 0.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Criminal Mischief in Hernando County?
The guilty rate is 63.4% based on 257 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Criminal Mischief in Hernando County?
Adjudication is withheld in 14.0% 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 Hernando County?
The average sentence is 6.2 months, with an average fine of $206.97.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
25.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hernando 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 · 257 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026