Criminal Mischief in Palm Beach County, Florida

1,743
Total Cases
60.2%
Guilty Rate
11.0%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
4.5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,743 Criminal Mischief cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 60.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 11.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.5 months, with an average fine of $427.50. 27.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 69.1% used a public defender.

Facing Criminal Mischief charges in Palm Beach County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
60.2% (1,050)
Withheld
11.0% (192)
Diversion
24.1% (420)
Dismissed
1.1% (20)
Acquitted
0.6% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.5 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 7 months
Avg Probation
$427.50
Avg Fine
2.4%
Prison Rate
47.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 821 3.0 months
State Prison Facility 41 2.9 years

Counsel Analysis

1,204
Public Defender
65.5% guilty · 1.5% dismissed
470
Private Attorney
47.4% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
69
Self or Unrepresented
55.1% guilty · 1.4% 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 882 52.9% 1.6%
Black 859 67.9% 0.7%

Age Distribution

8.0%
Under 21
28.5%
21-29
33.5%
30-39
15.9%
40-49
8.5%
50-59
5.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 579 62.0% 1.2% 3.9 months
2024 584 64.0% 1.9% 5.3 months
2025 580 54.7% 0.3% 4.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,076
Misdemeanor Second Degree 446
Felony Third Degree 221

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%

Need a Defense Attorney in Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 60.2% based on 1,743 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Criminal Mischief in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 11.0% 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 4.5 months, with an average fine of $427.50.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
69.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 27.0% 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 · 1,743 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026