Forgery in Lee County, Florida

Forgery defendants in Lee County face notably different outcomes than the statewide pattern. While the state dismisses about 2 percent of forgery cases, Lee County has dismissed none of the 57 cases on record. The county's 61.4 percent guilty rate exceeds the typical resolution pattern, but the 35.1 percent withheld adjudication rate—substantially higher than the 22.2 percent statewide average—suggests judges here frequently find guilt while preserving defendants' records. Diversion opportunities are scarce in Lee County at 3.5 percent compared to 9.1 percent statewide, indicating fewer alternatives to conviction are available locally.

Sentences in Lee County are substantial: the average runs 436 days with probation averaging 641 additional days. About half of sentenced defendants serve jail time, while one in ten receives prison. The confinement rates and sentence length reflect serious treatment of forgery despite withheld adjudications. Notably, 78 percent of defendants were represented by private counsel or public defenders, showing significant reliance on appointed legal representation in this county.

0.0% of Forgery cases in Lee County are dismissed, and 35.1% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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57
Total Cases
61.4%
Guilty Rate
35.1%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
61.4% (35)
Withheld
35.1% (20)
Diversion
3.5% (2)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence
9.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 9 months
Avg Probation
10.5%
Prison Rate
50.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 29 6.1 months
State Prison Facility 6 4.6 years

Counsel Analysis

8
Private Attorney
62.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Public Defender
40.0% 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 47 59.6% 0.0%

Age Distribution

7.0%
Under 21
43.9%
21-29
21.1%
30-39
21.1%
40-49
3.5%
50-59
3.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 11 18.2% 0.0% 1 year, 6 months
2024 30 86.7% 0.0% 7.6 months
2025 16 43.8% 0.0% 2.3 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 51
Misdemeanor Second Degree 3
Felony Second Degree 2
Felony First Degree 1

Related Charges in Lee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 5,953 79.4% 0.2%
Traffic Offense 5,651 78.7% 0.1%
DUI 3,521 98.2% 0.6%
Larceny / Theft 2,186 81.9% 0.5%
Resisting Officer 1,991 85.2% 1.6%
Battery 1,752 69.5% 1.8%
Trespassing 1,425 88.0% 4.5%
Other 1,124 70.6% 1.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Forgery in Lee County?
The guilty rate is 61.4% based on 57 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Forgery in Lee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 35.1% 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 Lee County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 2 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
8.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 14.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Lee 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 · 57 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026