Traffic Offense in Polk County, Florida

24,337
Total Cases
49.3%
Guilty Rate
33.5%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
2.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 24,337 Traffic Offense cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 49.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 33.5% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $90.57. 5.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 12.3% used a public defender.

Facing Traffic Offense charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
49.3% (11,990)
Withheld
33.5% (8,151)
Diversion
16.8% (4,096)
Dismissed
0.2% (39)
Acquitted
0.0% (9)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.3 months
Avg Sentence
1.0 months
Median Sentence
10.0 months
Avg Probation
$90.57
Avg Fine
0.4%
Prison Rate
13.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 3,336 1.6 months
State Prison Facility 88 2.5 years

Counsel Analysis

17,296
Self or Unrepresented
44.9% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
2,995
Public Defender
81.1% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
1,336
Private Attorney
64.0% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
6
Court Private or Assigned 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 16,547 49.3% 0.2%
Black 7,520 49.9% 0.2%
Asian 226 31.9% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.5%
Under 21
31.0%
21-29
30.6%
30-39
18.8%
40-49
8.9%
50-59
4.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 7,504 48.5% 0.2% 2.1 months
2024 8,907 48.0% 0.2% 2.4 months
2025 7,926 51.4% 0.2% 2.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor Second Degree 22,039
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,028
Felony Third Degree 266
Misdemeanor Not Applicable 4

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
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%
Sex Offense 2,588 57.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Traffic Offense in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 49.3% based on 24,337 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Traffic Offense in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 33.5% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 2.3 months, with an average fine of $90.57.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
12.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 5.5% 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 · 24,337 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026