Criminal Mischief in Highlands County, Florida

174
Total Cases
86.8%
Guilty Rate
4.6%
Withheld Rate
2.9%
Dismissal Rate
11.5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 174 Criminal Mischief cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 86.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 4.6% had adjudication withheld, and 2.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 11.5 months, with an average fine of $273.04. 2.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 23.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
86.8% (151)
Withheld
4.6% (8)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
2.9% (5)
Acquitted
0.6% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

11.5 months
Avg Sentence
4.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 9 months
Avg Probation
$273.04
Avg Fine
6.9%
Prison Rate
36.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 63 4.8 months
State Prison Facility 12 3.9 years

Counsel Analysis

40
Public Defender
77.5% guilty · 2.5% dismissed
7
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 117 88.9% 2.6%
Black 55 81.8% 3.6%

Age Distribution

6.9%
Under 21
25.3%
21-29
30.5%
30-39
22.4%
40-49
10.3%
50-59
4.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 57 89.5% 1.8% 1 year, 3 months
2024 57 93.0% 1.8% 9.2 months
2025 60 78.3% 5.0% 9.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 73
Misdemeanor Second Degree 67
Felony Third Degree 34

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 Criminal Mischief in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 86.8% based on 174 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Criminal Mischief in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 4.6% 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 Highlands County?
The average sentence is 11.5 months, with an average fine of $273.04.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
23.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.3% 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 · 174 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026