Homicide in Palm Beach County, Florida

358
Total Cases
81.3%
Guilty Rate
0.6%
Withheld Rate
3.4%
Dismissal Rate
15.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 358 Homicide cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 81.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.6% had adjudication withheld, and 3.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 15.2 years, with an average fine of $2,700. 58.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 41.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
81.3% (291)
Withheld
0.6% (2)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
3.4% (12)
Acquitted
9.2% (33)

Sentencing Breakdown

15.2 years
Avg Sentence
12.5 years
Median Sentence
5.8 years
Avg Probation
$2,700
Avg Fine
67.9%
Prison Rate
3.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 243 16.0 years
County Jail 13 5.2 months

Counsel Analysis

210
Private Attorney
86.2% guilty · 3.3% dismissed
147
Public Defender
74.1% guilty · 3.4% 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 234 82.1% 1.7%
White 122 79.5% 6.6%

Age Distribution

28.8%
Under 21
34.6%
21-29
17.9%
30-39
9.5%
40-49
7.0%
50-59
2.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 113 83.2% 0.9% 16.3 years
2024 138 84.1% 2.9% 13.0 years
2025 107 75.7% 6.5% 17.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Life 119
Felony Second Degree 99
Felony First Degree 86
Felony Capital 48
Felony Third Degree 6

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Homicide in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 81.3% based on 358 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.6% 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 Homicide in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 15.2 years, with an average fine of $2,700.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
41.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 58.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 358 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026