Stalking in Polk County, Florida

277
Total Cases
62.8%
Guilty Rate
23.1%
Withheld Rate
3.2%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 277 Stalking cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 62.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 23.1% had adjudication withheld, and 3.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $248.14. 17.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 31.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
62.8% (174)
Withheld
23.1% (64)
Diversion
4.0% (11)
Dismissed
3.2% (9)
Acquitted
3.2% (9)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence
7.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 6 months
Avg Probation
$248.14
Avg Fine
12.6%
Prison Rate
26.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 74 5.8 months
State Prison Facility 35 3.7 years

Counsel Analysis

103
Self or Unrepresented
54.4% guilty · 1.9% dismissed
88
Public Defender
72.7% guilty · 5.7% dismissed
49
Private Attorney
65.3% 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 198 65.2% 2.5%
Black 74 59.5% 5.4%

Age Distribution

8.3%
Under 21
24.5%
21-29
33.2%
30-39
20.6%
40-49
9.4%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 80 51.2% 5.0% 1 year, 6 months
2024 90 75.6% 2.2% 1 year, 10 months
2025 107 60.7% 2.8% 1 year, 4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 199
Felony Third Degree 77
Felony Second Degree 1

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%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
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%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Stalking in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 62.8% based on 277 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Stalking in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 23.1% 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 Stalking in Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $248.14.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
31.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 17.7% 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 · 277 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026