Sex Offense in Palm Beach County, Florida

2,820
Total Cases
88.7%
Guilty Rate
1.6%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
8.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,820 Sex Offense cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 88.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 1.6% had adjudication withheld, and 0.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 8.4 years, with an average fine of $4,321. 47.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 50.3% used a public defender.

Facing Sex Offense charges in Palm Beach County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
88.7% (2,502)
Withheld
1.6% (44)
Diversion
6.1% (173)
Dismissed
0.6% (17)
Acquitted
1.2% (35)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.4 years
Avg Sentence
5.0 years
Median Sentence
5.4 years
Avg Probation
$4,321
Avg Fine
57.0%
Prison Rate
15.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 1,608 10.6 years
County Jail 426 3.6 months

Counsel Analysis

1,419
Public Defender
89.1% guilty · 0.8% dismissed
1,336
Private Attorney
89.7% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
65
Self or Unrepresented
60.0% 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 2,182 91.5% 0.3%
Black 634 79.7% 1.6%

Age Distribution

11.6%
Under 21
27.1%
21-29
22.1%
30-39
17.2%
40-49
11.0%
50-59
11.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 875 91.3% 1.3% 9.5 years
2024 936 88.6% 0.5% 8.5 years
2025 1,009 86.6% 0.1% 7.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 1,766
Felony Third Degree 432
Misdemeanor First Degree 262
Misdemeanor Second Degree 201
Felony First Degree 101
Felony Life 50
Felony Capital 8

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

Need a Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Sex Offense cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Sex Offense in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 88.7% based on 2,820 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Sex Offense in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 1.6% 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 Sex Offense in Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 8.4 years, with an average fine of $4,321.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
50.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 47.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 2,820 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026