Fraud in Highlands County, Florida

300
Total Cases
86.3%
Guilty Rate
10.0%
Withheld Rate
0.3%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 8 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 300 Fraud cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 86.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 10.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 8 months, with an average fine of $368.45. 4.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 19.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
86.3% (259)
Withheld
10.0% (30)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.3% (1)
Acquitted
1.0% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 8 months
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
3.4 years
Avg Probation
$368.45
Avg Fine
20.0%
Prison Rate
29.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 87 5.9 months
State Prison Facility 60 3.4 years

Counsel Analysis

59
Public Defender
88.1% guilty · 1.7% dismissed
14
Private Attorney
57.1% 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 221 87.8% 0.5%
Black 74 85.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.0%
Under 21
17.7%
21-29
43.7%
30-39
15.0%
40-49
13.3%
50-59
5.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 78 93.6% 0.0% 1 year, 9 months
2024 126 92.1% 0.8% 1 year, 10 months
2025 96 72.9% 0.0% 1 year, 4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 170
Misdemeanor First Degree 92
Felony Second Degree 15
Misdemeanor Second Degree 14
Felony First Degree 9

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%
Sex Offense 269 86.2% 3.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Fraud in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 86.3% based on 300 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Fraud in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 10.0% 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 Fraud in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 8 months, with an average fine of $368.45.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
19.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.7% 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 · 300 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026