Larceny / Theft in Highlands County, Florida

792
Total Cases
87.2%
Guilty Rate
9.1%
Withheld Rate
1.4%
Dismissal Rate
11.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 792 Larceny / Theft cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 87.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 9.1% had adjudication withheld, and 1.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 11.2 months, with an average fine of $240.93. 4.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 41.7% used a public defender.

Facing Larceny / Theft charges in Highlands County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
87.2% (691)
Withheld
9.1% (72)
Diversion
0.6% (5)
Dismissed
1.4% (11)
Acquitted
0.1% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

11.2 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$240.93
Avg Fine
7.7%
Prison Rate
37.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 300 5.1 months
State Prison Facility 61 3.4 years

Counsel Analysis

330
Public Defender
90.6% guilty · 2.7% dismissed
63
Self or Unrepresented
60.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
34
Private Attorney
67.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Conflict Counsel
83.3% 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 603 88.6% 1.7%
Black 178 83.1% 0.6%

Age Distribution

4.9%
Under 21
23.2%
21-29
34.3%
30-39
22.0%
40-49
9.7%
50-59
5.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 218 87.2% 0.5% 11.3 months
2024 319 88.7% 1.9% 10.4 months
2025 255 85.5% 1.6% 0 year, 12 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 299
Felony Third Degree 243
Misdemeanor Second Degree 235
Felony Second Degree 12
Felony First Degree 3

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%
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%
Sex Offense 269 86.2% 3.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Larceny / Theft in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 87.2% based on 792 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Larceny / Theft in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 9.1% 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 Larceny / Theft in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 11.2 months, with an average fine of $240.93.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
41.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.3% 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 · 792 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026