Trespassing in Highlands County, Florida

403
Total Cases
84.4%
Guilty Rate
6.7%
Withheld Rate
4.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 403 Trespassing cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 84.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 6.7% had adjudication withheld, and 4.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.9 months, with an average fine of $165.24. 2.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 65.3% used a public defender.

Facing Trespassing charges in Highlands County?
Guilty
84.4% (340)
Withheld
6.7% (27)
Diversion
0.2% (1)
Dismissed
4.0% (16)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)
2.9 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year
Avg Probation
$165.24
Avg Fine
0.0%
Prison Rate
52.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 211 2.9 months
263
Public Defender
84.8% guilty · 4.9% dismissed
29
Self or Unrepresented
65.5% guilty · 3.4% dismissed
9
Private Attorney
55.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Conflict Counsel
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed

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 296 83.1% 4.4%
Black 105 87.6% 2.9%
3.2%
Under 21
18.1%
21-29
32.0%
30-39
23.6%
40-49
14.4%
50-59
8.7%
60+
Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 127 85.0% 1.6% 3.0 months
2024 143 84.6% 7.0% 3.2 months
2025 133 83.5% 3.0% 2.5 months
Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 283
Misdemeanor Second Degree 112
Felony Third Degree 8
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%
Fraud 300 86.3% 0.3%
Sex Offense 269 86.2% 3.7%

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What is the guilty rate for Trespassing in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 84.4% based on 403 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Trespassing in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 6.7% 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 Trespassing in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 2.9 months, with an average fine of $165.24.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
65.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.2% 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 · 403 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026