Homicide in Polk County, Florida

155
Total Cases
71.0%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
16.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 155 Homicide cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 71.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 16.2 years, with an average fine of $1,020. 25.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 36.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
71.0% (110)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.6% (1)
Acquitted
6.5% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

16.2 years
Avg Sentence
14.0 years
Median Sentence
5.4 years
Avg Probation
$1,020
Avg Fine
63.9%
Prison Rate
0.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 99 14.7 years

Counsel Analysis

56
Public Defender
67.9% guilty · 1.8% dismissed
40
Private Attorney
55.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
33
Self or Unrepresented
90.9% 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 89 69.7% 0.0%
Black 65 72.3% 1.5%

Age Distribution

15.5%
Under 21
32.9%
21-29
26.5%
30-39
15.5%
40-49
3.2%
50-59
6.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 29 79.3% 0.0% 11.7 years
2024 55 65.5% 0.0% 19.1 years
2025 71 71.8% 1.4% 16.2 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 61
Felony Second Degree 44
Felony Life 32
Felony Capital 12
Felony Third Degree 6

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 Homicide in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 71.0% based on 155 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Polk 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 16.2 years, with an average fine of $1,020.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
36.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 25.8% 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 · 155 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026