Traffic Offense in Hardee County, Florida

1,107
Total Cases
56.1%
Guilty Rate
29.1%
Withheld Rate
13.6%
Dismissal Rate
1.8 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,107 Traffic Offense cases in Hardee County (2023-2025), 56.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 29.1% had adjudication withheld, and 13.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1.8 months, with an average fine of $155.13. 12.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 28.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
56.1% (621)
Withheld
29.1% (322)
Diversion
1.2% (13)
Dismissed
13.6% (150)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1.8 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
7.3 months
Avg Probation
$155.13
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
19.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 210 1.8 months

Counsel Analysis

507
Self or Unrepresented
34.9% guilty · 22.9% dismissed
312
Public Defender
74.4% guilty · 6.7% dismissed
142
Private Attorney
68.3% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
17
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
88.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Conflict Counsel
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 406 60.1% 14.0%
Black 72 47.2% 38.9%

Age Distribution

6.9%
Under 21
25.0%
21-29
32.8%
30-39
22.5%
40-49
9.5%
50-59
3.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 432 52.3% 12.5% 2.1 months
2024 414 60.1% 12.3% 1.3 months
2025 261 55.9% 17.2% 2.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1,042
Misdemeanor First Degree 60
Felony Third Degree 5

Related Charges in Hardee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 628 78.5% 1.0%
Other 292 67.8% 10.3%
Battery 243 62.1% 11.1%
Resisting Officer 209 80.4% 2.9%
Trespassing 153 51.0% 17.0%
Larceny / Theft 144 68.8% 6.9%
DUI 124 98.4% 1.6%
Weapons Offense 60 88.3% 1.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Hardee County?
The guilty rate is 56.1% based on 1,107 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Hardee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 29.1% 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 Traffic Offense in Hardee County?
The average sentence is 1.8 months, with an average fine of $155.13.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
28.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 12.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hardee 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 · 1,107 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026