Weapons Offense in Hillsborough County, Florida

3,388
Total Cases
71.5%
Guilty Rate
15.0%
Withheld Rate
3.0%
Dismissal Rate
2.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 3,388 Weapons Offense cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 71.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 15.0% had adjudication withheld, and 3.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.4 years, with an average fine of $260.25. 67.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
71.5% (2,422)
Withheld
15.0% (507)
Diversion
5.7% (194)
Dismissed
3.0% (101)
Acquitted
0.5% (18)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.4 years
Avg Sentence
1 year, 6 months
Median Sentence
2.6 years
Avg Probation
$260.25
Avg Fine
35.5%
Prison Rate
24.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 1,204 3.8 years
County Jail 823 6.4 months

Counsel Analysis

2,270
Private Attorney
70.5% guilty · 2.9% dismissed
1,118
Public Defender
73.4% guilty · 3.1% 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
Black 2,272 71.6% 3.3%
White 1,069 72.3% 2.2%
Asian 10 30.0% 10.0%

Age Distribution

19.6%
Under 21
32.4%
21-29
28.4%
30-39
12.5%
40-49
4.9%
50-59
2.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,332 68.7% 3.7% 2.3 years
2024 1,060 75.1% 1.3% 2.4 years
2025 996 71.4% 3.8% 2.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 1,909
Felony Third Degree 1,042
Misdemeanor First Degree 368
Misdemeanor Second Degree 64
Felony First Degree 4
Felony First Degree punishable by life 1

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Drug Possession 17,469 71.8% 1.9%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Weapons Offense in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 71.5% based on 3,388 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 15.0% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 2.4 years, with an average fine of $260.25.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 67.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 3,388 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026