Homicide in Highlands County, Florida

40
Total Cases
92.5%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
18.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 40 Homicide cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 92.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 18.4 years, with an average fine of $1,195. 17.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 45.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
92.5% (37)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
5.0% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

18.4 years
Avg Sentence
17.5 years
Median Sentence
5.9 years
Avg Probation
$1,195
Avg Fine
80.0%
Prison Rate
0.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 32 15.0 years

Counsel Analysis

18
Public Defender
94.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
7
Private Attorney
85.7% 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
Black 23 87.0% 0.0%
White 14 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

27.5%
Under 21
42.5%
21-29
20.0%
30-39
5.0%
40-49
2.5%
50-59
2.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 11 90.9% 0.0% 17.5 years
2024 11 100.0% 0.0% 18.3 years
2025 18 88.9% 0.0% 18.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 15
Felony Life 13
Felony First Degree 12

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 Homicide in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 92.5% based on 40 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.0% 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 Homicide in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 18.4 years, with an average fine of $1,195.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
45.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 17.5% 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 · 40 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026