Criminal Mischief in Polk County, Florida

1,439
Total Cases
68.6%
Guilty Rate
19.3%
Withheld Rate
2.0%
Dismissal Rate
7.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,439 Criminal Mischief cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 68.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 19.3% had adjudication withheld, and 2.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.9 months, with an average fine of $167.80. 15.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 36.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
68.6% (987)
Withheld
19.3% (278)
Diversion
6.4% (92)
Dismissed
2.0% (29)
Acquitted
1.3% (18)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.9 months
Avg Sentence
2.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 3 months
Avg Probation
$167.80
Avg Fine
4.8%
Prison Rate
27.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 388 3.4 months
State Prison Facility 69 2.7 years

Counsel Analysis

527
Public Defender
76.9% guilty · 3.6% dismissed
524
Self or Unrepresented
63.2% guilty · 0.6% dismissed
224
Private Attorney
66.1% guilty · 0.4% 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 857 68.0% 2.5%
Black 570 70.4% 1.4%
Asian 10 20.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

11.8%
Under 21
31.1%
21-29
31.9%
30-39
14.9%
40-49
7.5%
50-59
2.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 453 66.9% 3.8% 6.0 months
2024 479 73.3% 1.7% 9.8 months
2025 507 65.7% 0.8% 7.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 644
Misdemeanor First Degree 583
Felony Third Degree 211
Felony Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Criminal Mischief in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 68.6% based on 1,439 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Criminal Mischief in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 19.3% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 7.9 months, with an average fine of $167.80.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
36.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 15.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 1,439 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026