Homicide in Sumter County, Florida

In Sumter County, homicide cases result in conviction at an extraordinarily high rate. Of 27 cases, 96.3 percent ended in guilty verdicts, with just one acquittal and zero dismissals. This contrasts sharply with statewide patterns, where dismissals occur in 1.9 percent of homicide cases. Sumter County's State Attorney pursues these cases with near-total conviction success, rejecting the modest use of withheld adjudication seen statewide at 1.4 percent. Pre-trial diversion, available in rare statewide homicide instances, never appeared in Sumter County's record.

Defendants convicted in Sumter County face substantial confinement. Nearly 89 percent received prison sentences, with median sentences reaching roughly 15 years. Average sentences extended to about 18 years, supplemented by average probation terms near five and a half years. Court-appointed counsel represented two-thirds of defendants, with public defenders assigned in 44 percent of cases, suggesting limited private legal representation among those charged.

0.0% of Homicide cases in Sumter County are dismissed. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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27
Total Cases
96.3%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
17.8 years
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
96.3% (26)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
3.7% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

17.8 years
Avg Sentence
15.0 years
Median Sentence
5.3 years
Avg Probation
$3,393
Avg Fine
88.9%
Prison Rate
0.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 24 8.9 years

Counsel Analysis

12
Public Defender
91.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Private Attorney
100.0% 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 15 93.3% 0.0%
Black 11 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

33.3%
Under 21
14.8%
21-29
11.1%
30-39
29.6%
40-49
7.4%
50-59
3.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 13 92.3% 0.0% 17.5 years
2024 5 100.0% 0.0% 25.5 years
2025 9 100.0% 0.0% 12.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 11
Felony Capital 7
Felony Second Degree 5
Felony Life 4

Related Charges in Sumter County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 4,083 62.9% 0.1%
Traffic Offense 3,081 67.0% 0.0%
Battery 1,047 64.5% 0.6%
Other 978 78.3% 1.3%
Larceny / Theft 945 76.3% 0.1%
Resisting Officer 543 84.7% 0.0%
DUI 510 99.0% 0.2%
Fraud 327 72.5% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Homicide in Sumter County?
The guilty rate is 96.3% based on 27 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Homicide in Sumter 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 Sumter County?
The average sentence is 17.8 years, with an average fine of $3,393.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
44.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 22.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sumter 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 · 27 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026