Larceny / Theft in Polk County, Florida

7,849
Total Cases
67.0%
Guilty Rate
20.1%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 7,849 Larceny / Theft cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 67.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 20.1% had adjudication withheld, and 0.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 1 months, with an average fine of $187.66. 12.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 29.5% used a public defender.

Facing Larceny / Theft charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
67.0% (5,255)
Withheld
20.1% (1,579)
Diversion
11.1% (869)
Dismissed
0.6% (45)
Acquitted
0.3% (23)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 1 months
Avg Sentence
4.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 6 months
Avg Probation
$187.66
Avg Fine
12.2%
Prison Rate
34.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,704 5.0 months
State Prison Facility 955 3.1 years

Counsel Analysis

3,030
Self or Unrepresented
64.0% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
2,316
Public Defender
79.5% guilty · 0.9% dismissed
989
Private Attorney
73.5% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
16
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
93.8% 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 4,908 65.9% 0.4%
Black 2,857 69.7% 0.9%
Asian 73 35.6% 2.7%

Age Distribution

13.8%
Under 21
23.3%
21-29
27.9%
30-39
18.7%
40-49
11.3%
50-59
4.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,326 65.7% 0.4% 9.8 months
2024 2,834 66.6% 0.8% 1 year, 2 months
2025 2,689 68.4% 0.5% 1 year, 4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,879
Felony Third Degree 2,568
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2,310
Felony Second Degree 74
Felony First Degree 18

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%
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%
Sex Offense 2,588 57.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Larceny / Theft in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 67.0% based on 7,849 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Larceny / Theft in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 20.1% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 1 months, with an average fine of $187.66.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
29.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 12.6% 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 · 7,849 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026