DUI in Hardee County, Florida

124
Total Cases
98.4%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
1.6%
Dismissal Rate
1.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 124 DUI cases in Hardee County (2023-2025), 98.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1.7 months, with an average fine of $872.95. 35.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 45.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
98.4% (122)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.6% (2)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1.7 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$872.95
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
65.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 81 1.7 months

Counsel Analysis

56
Public Defender
96.4% guilty · 3.6% dismissed
44
Private Attorney
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
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 55 96.4% 3.6%

Age Distribution

4.8%
Under 21
26.6%
21-29
33.1%
30-39
21.0%
40-49
12.1%
50-59
2.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 40 95.0% 5.0% 1.9 months
2024 41 100.0% 0.0% 2.1 months
2025 43 100.0% 0.0% 1.2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 70
Misdemeanor Second Degree 54

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%
Weapons Offense 60 88.3% 1.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for DUI in Hardee County?
The guilty rate is 98.4% based on 124 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Hardee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.0% 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 DUI in Hardee County?
The average sentence is 1.7 months, with an average fine of $872.95.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
45.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 35.5% 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 · 124 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026