Traffic Offense in Highlands County, Florida

2,376
Total Cases
58.4%
Guilty Rate
38.8%
Withheld Rate
2.1%
Dismissal Rate
4.0 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,376 Traffic Offense cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 58.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 38.8% had adjudication withheld, and 2.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.0 months, with an average fine of $279.84. 14.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 29.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
58.4% (1,388)
Withheld
38.8% (922)
Diversion
0.1% (3)
Dismissed
2.1% (49)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.0 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
11.6 months
Avg Probation
$279.84
Avg Fine
0.7%
Prison Rate
20.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 483 2.4 months
State Prison Facility 17 3.9 years

Counsel Analysis

932
Self or Unrepresented
28.0% guilty · 4.2% dismissed
703
Public Defender
83.4% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
343
Private Attorney
72.0% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
18
Conflict Counsel
83.3% 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 1,679 60.6% 1.4%
Black 492 58.3% 3.5%

Age Distribution

3.7%
Under 21
23.7%
21-29
30.8%
30-39
21.1%
40-49
13.3%
50-59
7.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 823 56.1% 1.6% 5.5 months
2024 805 55.7% 3.0% 4.0 months
2025 748 63.9% 1.6% 2.6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2,035
Misdemeanor First Degree 245
Felony Third Degree 96

Related Charges in Highlands County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
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%
Sex Offense 269 86.2% 3.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 58.4% based on 2,376 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 38.8% 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 Highlands County?
The average sentence is 4.0 months, with an average fine of $279.84.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
29.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 14.4% 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 · 2,376 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026