Hit and Run in Highlands County, Florida

93
Total Cases
77.4%
Guilty Rate
20.4%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
3.4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 93 Hit and Run cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 77.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 20.4% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.4 months, with an average fine of $286.56. 10.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 31.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
77.4% (72)
Withheld
20.4% (19)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.1% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.4 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 1 months
Avg Probation
$286.56
Avg Fine
1.1%
Prison Rate
23.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 22 1.5 months
State Prison Facility 1 3.8 years

Counsel Analysis

29
Public Defender
93.1% guilty · 3.4% dismissed
17
Self or Unrepresented
47.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
10
Private Attorney
60.0% 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 78 75.6% 1.3%
Black 12 83.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.4%
Under 21
20.4%
21-29
26.9%
30-39
17.2%
40-49
10.8%
50-59
19.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 22 63.6% 0.0% 1.4 months
2024 30 83.3% 3.3% 5.7 months
2025 41 80.5% 0.0% 1.3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 85
Felony Third Degree 6
Felony Second Degree 1
Misdemeanor First Degree 1

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 Hit and Run in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 77.4% based on 93 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Hit and Run in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 20.4% 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 Hit and Run in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 3.4 months, with an average fine of $286.56.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
31.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 10.8% 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 · 93 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026