Hit and Run in Polk County, Florida

1,070
Total Cases
57.7%
Guilty Rate
32.6%
Withheld Rate
0.4%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,070 Hit and Run cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 57.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 32.6% had adjudication withheld, and 0.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $120.31. 13.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 20.1% used a public defender.

Facing Hit and Run charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
57.7% (617)
Withheld
32.6% (349)
Diversion
8.0% (86)
Dismissed
0.4% (4)
Acquitted
0.5% (5)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
11.0 months
Avg Probation
$120.31
Avg Fine
4.0%
Prison Rate
18.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 193 1.7 months
State Prison Facility 43 5.7 years

Counsel Analysis

578
Self or Unrepresented
51.9% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
215
Public Defender
74.4% guilty · 0.5% dismissed
141
Private Attorney
64.5% guilty · 0.7% 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 758 56.3% 0.4%
Black 302 61.6% 0.3%

Age Distribution

8.9%
Under 21
28.1%
21-29
26.9%
30-39
16.4%
40-49
9.2%
50-59
10.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 328 54.3% 0.9% 6.0 months
2024 370 58.6% 0.0% 11.9 months
2025 372 59.7% 0.3% 1 year, 9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 986
Felony Third Degree 59
Felony Second Degree 15
Felony First Degree 10

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 Hit and Run in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 57.7% based on 1,070 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Hit and Run in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 32.6% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 2 months, with an average fine of $120.31.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
20.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 13.2% 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 · 1,070 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026