Stalking in Highlands County, Florida

In Highlands County, stalking cases reach guilty verdicts at a rate that starkly departs from statewide patterns. All 32 stalking cases resulted in convictions, with no dismissals, acquittals, withheld adjudications, or diversion outcomes. Statewide, dismissals occur in 3 percent of stalking cases and judges withhold adjudication in roughly 21 percent—outcomes that provide alternatives to formal conviction. Highlands County's zero-percent dismissal and withheld rates suggest prosecution is pursued aggressively and juries or judges consistently find guilt, or that cases are screened heavily before filing.

Sentences in Highlands County average 634 days, nearly double the median of 364 days, indicating some cases receive substantially longer terms. About 28 percent of defendants faced jail time and 9 percent received prison sentences, while probation averaged nearly 974 days. Half of defendants were represented by public defenders, compared to just 3 percent with private counsel, reflecting limited financial resources among those charged. Fines averaged under $266, a minor component of the penalty structure.

0.0% of Stalking cases in Highlands County are dismissed — below Florida's statewide average of 3.4%. Highlands County is tougher than typical on these cases, so the attorney you pick matters more here.

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32
Total Cases
100.0%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 9 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
100.0% (32)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 9 months
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
2.7 years
Avg Probation
$266
Avg Fine
9.4%
Prison Rate
28.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 9 7.7 months
State Prison Facility 3 5.0 years

Counsel Analysis

16
Public Defender
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 26 100.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

0.0%
Under 21
9.4%
21-29
43.8%
30-39
21.9%
40-49
9.4%
50-59
15.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 11 100.0% 0.0% 3.9 years
2024 11 100.0% 0.0% 2.2 months
2025 10 100.0% 0.0% 11.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 19
Felony Third Degree 13

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%
Larceny / Theft 792 87.2% 1.4%
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%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Stalking in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 100.0% based on 32 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Stalking in Highlands 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 Stalking in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 9 months, with an average fine of $266.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
50.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.1% 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 · 32 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026