Fraud in Polk County, Florida

2,380
Total Cases
75.8%
Guilty Rate
19.0%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,380 Fraud cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 75.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 19.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $189.61. 13.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.6% used a public defender.

Facing Fraud charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
75.8% (1,803)
Withheld
19.0% (452)
Diversion
2.9% (69)
Dismissed
0.6% (14)
Acquitted
0.5% (11)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
3.0 years
Avg Probation
$189.61
Avg Fine
16.6%
Prison Rate
35.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 833 4.1 months
State Prison Facility 396 3.3 years

Counsel Analysis

880
Self or Unrepresented
78.1% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
799
Public Defender
79.6% guilty · 0.8% dismissed
310
Private Attorney
75.8% guilty · 0.6% dismissed
6
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
66.7% 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 1,453 77.2% 0.6%
Black 886 75.4% 0.7%
Asian 33 24.2% 0.0%

Age Distribution

7.1%
Under 21
21.0%
21-29
33.2%
30-39
21.6%
40-49
12.1%
50-59
5.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 680 73.7% 0.6% 1 year, 4 months
2024 853 76.1% 0.8% 1 year
2025 847 77.1% 0.4% 1 year, 7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 1,126
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,018
Felony Second Degree 121
Misdemeanor Second Degree 96
Felony First Degree 19

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Fraud in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 75.8% based on 2,380 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Fraud in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 19.0% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $189.61.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 13.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 2,380 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026