Weapons Offense in Highlands County, Florida

166
Total Cases
89.8%
Guilty Rate
8.4%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
3.9 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 166 Weapons Offense cases in Highlands County (2023-2025), 89.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.9 years, with an average fine of $938.08. 3.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 35.5% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
89.8% (149)
Withheld
8.4% (14)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.9 years
Avg Sentence
3.0 years
Median Sentence
2.8 years
Avg Probation
$938.08
Avg Fine
41.6%
Prison Rate
19.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 69 5.4 years
County Jail 33 8.4 months

Counsel Analysis

59
Public Defender
89.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Private Attorney
16.7% 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 83 90.4% 0.0%
Black 81 88.9% 0.0%

Age Distribution

16.3%
Under 21
33.1%
21-29
27.7%
30-39
11.4%
40-49
8.4%
50-59
3.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 53 90.6% 0.0% 3.7 years
2024 49 87.8% 0.0% 3.6 years
2025 64 90.6% 0.0% 4.1 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 97
Misdemeanor First Degree 37
Felony Third Degree 26
Misdemeanor Second Degree 6

Related Charges in Highlands County

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%
Trespassing 403 84.4% 4.0%
Fraud 300 86.3% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Weapons Offense in Highlands County?
The guilty rate is 89.8% based on 166 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Highlands County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.4% 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 Weapons Offense in Highlands County?
The average sentence is 3.9 years, with an average fine of $938.08.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
35.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.6% 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 · 166 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026