Weapons Offense in Polk County, Florida

1,123
Total Cases
80.3%
Guilty Rate
15.0%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
2.9 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,123 Weapons Offense cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 80.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 15.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.9 years, with an average fine of $328.89. 22.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 29.3% used a public defender.

Facing Weapons Offense charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
80.3% (902)
Withheld
15.0% (168)
Diversion
1.1% (12)
Dismissed
0.2% (2)
Acquitted
1.2% (13)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.9 years
Avg Sentence
1 year, 9 months
Median Sentence
2.0 years
Avg Probation
$328.89
Avg Fine
38.6%
Prison Rate
24.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 434 4.6 years
County Jail 280 4.5 months
Confined to Juvenile Facility 3 0 days

Counsel Analysis

372
Self or Unrepresented
76.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
329
Public Defender
85.4% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
250
Private Attorney
74.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
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 604 78.0% 0.2%
Black 514 83.3% 0.2%

Age Distribution

20.6%
Under 21
27.7%
21-29
26.5%
30-39
15.0%
40-49
7.3%
50-59
2.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 325 81.5% 0.0% 2.4 years
2024 386 81.1% 0.5% 3.0 years
2025 412 78.6% 0.0% 3.2 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 524
Misdemeanor First Degree 380
Felony Third Degree 199
Misdemeanor Second Degree 15
Felony First Degree punishable by life 4
Felony First Degree 1

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 Weapons Offense in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 80.3% based on 1,123 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Weapons Offense in Polk 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 2.9 years, with an average fine of $328.89.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
29.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 22.3% 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 · 1,123 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026