Vehicle Theft in Polk County, Florida

344
Total Cases
82.6%
Guilty Rate
12.8%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 12 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 344 Vehicle Theft cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 82.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 12.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 12 months, with an average fine of $458.35. 17.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 41.9% used a public defender.

Facing Vehicle Theft charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
82.6% (284)
Withheld
12.8% (44)
Diversion
0.6% (2)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
1.2% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 12 months
Avg Sentence
1 year, 4 months
Median Sentence
2.8 years
Avg Probation
$458.35
Avg Fine
45.3%
Prison Rate
32.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 156 3.1 years
County Jail 111 5.0 months
Confined to Juvenile Facility 1 0 days

Counsel Analysis

144
Public Defender
84.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
78
Self or Unrepresented
82.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
60
Private Attorney
73.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
80.0% 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 234 82.9% 0.0%
Black 110 81.8% 0.0%

Age Distribution

22.7%
Under 21
29.1%
21-29
30.2%
30-39
13.1%
40-49
3.5%
50-59
1.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 112 84.8% 0.0% 1 year, 12 months
2024 123 83.7% 0.0% 1 year, 12 months
2025 109 78.9% 0.0% 1 year, 12 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 342
Felony Second Degree 2

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 Vehicle Theft in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 82.6% based on 344 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Vehicle Theft in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 12.8% 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 Vehicle Theft in Polk County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 12 months, with an average fine of $458.35.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
41.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 17.4% 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 · 344 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026