DUI in Highlands County, Florida

88
Total Cases
98.9%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
3.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 88 DUI cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 98.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.9 months, with an average fine of $1,327. 29.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 21.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
98.9% (87)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.1% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.9 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 3 months
Avg Probation
$1,327
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
47.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 42 3.9 months

Counsel Analysis

26
Private Attorney
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
19
Public Defender
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 76 98.7% 1.3%

Age Distribution

0.0%
Under 21
20.5%
21-29
27.3%
30-39
22.7%
40-49
22.7%
50-59
6.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 28 96.4% 3.6% 2.3 months
2024 34 100.0% 0.0% 3.9 months
2025 26 100.0% 0.0% 5.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 79
Felony Third Degree 8
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

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 DUI in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 98.9% based on 88 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for DUI in Highlands 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 Highlands County?
The average sentence is 3.9 months, with an average fine of $1,327.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
21.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 29.5% 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 · 88 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026