Forgery in Highlands County, Florida

104
Total Cases
90.4%
Guilty Rate
4.8%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 104 Forgery cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 90.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 4.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $895.60. 2.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 16.3% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
90.4% (94)
Withheld
4.8% (5)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
1.0% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence
9.1 months
Median Sentence
4.4 years
Avg Probation
$895.60
Avg Fine
26.0%
Prison Rate
32.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 34 7.4 months
State Prison Facility 27 2.7 years

Counsel Analysis

17
Public Defender
76.5% 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 77 90.9% 0.0%
Black 27 88.9% 0.0%

Age Distribution

0.0%
Under 21
14.4%
21-29
35.6%
30-39
36.5%
40-49
8.7%
50-59
4.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 48 91.7% 0.0% 1 year, 2 months
2024 35 97.1% 0.0% 2.8 years
2025 21 76.2% 0.0% 1 year, 5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 102
Felony First Degree 2

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 Forgery in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 90.4% based on 104 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Forgery in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 4.8% 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 Highlands County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $895.60.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
16.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.9% 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 · 104 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026