Forgery in Clay County, Florida

Forgery prosecutions in Clay County follow a distinctly different pattern than the statewide norm. Nearly 78 percent of cases result in adjudication withheld, compared to just 22 percent statewide, meaning most defendants avoid formal convictions despite judges finding guilt. Only 22 percent receive guilty verdicts. No cases were dismissed and no defendants were acquitted, suggesting the State Attorney pursues forgery charges with high confidence and little plea negotiation toward dismissal. This outcome profile indicates forgery is treated as a serious matter locally, yet the heavy reliance on withheld adjudication suggests judges view many defendants as amenable to resolution without permanent conviction records.

When confinement does occur, sentences are typically short: a median of 15 days, though probation is lengthy at an average of 731 days. Over 85 percent of defendants serve jail time rather than prison, and only 7.4 percent receive prison sentences. The average fine is $518. No diversion programs appeared in these 27 cases, distinguishing Clay County from the statewide average where 9.1 percent of forgery defendants access pre-trial diversion to avoid conviction entirely.

0.0% of Forgery cases in Clay County are dismissed, and 77.8% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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27
Total Cases
22.2%
Guilty Rate
77.8%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.6 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
22.2% (6)
Withheld
77.8% (21)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.6 months
Avg Sentence
15 days
Median Sentence
2.0 years
Avg Probation
$518
Avg Fine
7.4%
Prison Rate
85.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 23 28 days
State Prison Facility 2 1 year, 9 months

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 23 13.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.7%
Under 21
3.7%
21-29
14.8%
30-39
70.4%
40-49
3.7%
50-59
3.7%
60+

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 25
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Clay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,607 50.7% 1.1%
Drug Possession 1,978 70.6% 0.7%
Larceny / Theft 1,400 62.6% 0.0%
Battery 1,244 63.9% 0.7%
Other 1,230 39.3% 33.9%
Resisting Officer 733 71.5% 0.4%
DUI 552 97.3% 0.5%
Trespassing 455 76.7% 1.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Forgery in Clay County?
The guilty rate is 22.2% based on 27 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Forgery in Clay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 77.8% 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 Forgery in Clay County?
The average sentence is 2.6 months, with an average fine of $518.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Clay 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 · 27 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026