Larceny / Theft in Hamilton County, Florida

Larceny and theft defendants in Hamilton County face stark outcomes compared to statewide norms. The 91.5 percent guilty rate stands as the dominant result, with the remaining cases split between adjudication withheld (8.5 percent) and nothing else—no dismissals, acquittals, or diversions. Statewide, dismissal rates hover at 1.8 percent and withheld adjudications at 16.1 percent, meaning Hamilton County prosecutors secure convictions at notably higher rates and judges rarely withhold adjudication. The absence of diversion opportunities is particularly striking; statewide, 8.5 percent of defendants access pre-trial diversion programs to avoid conviction, but Hamilton County data shows zero diversion cases.

Sentences reflect the conviction-heavy outcome pattern. Nearly half of convicted defendants (46.8 percent) receive prison time, with average sentences of 472 days and median sentences of 396 days. An additional 23.4 percent receive jail time. Probation follows most cases, averaging 1,350 days. Just over half of defendants (51.1 percent) rely on public defenders, indicating limited resources for mounting vigorous defense. The average fine of $165 adds financial burden to incarceration and probation obligations.