Drug Possession in Alachua County, Florida

2,459
Total Cases
80.4%
Guilty Rate
9.8%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,459 Drug Possession cases in Alachua County (2023-2025), 80.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 9.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $754.16. 2.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 40.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
80.4% (1,976)
Withheld
9.8% (241)
Diversion
8.7% (213)
Dismissed
0.2% (6)
Acquitted
0.3% (8)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence
6.9 months
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$754.16
Avg Fine
25.7%
Prison Rate
45.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,111 4.6 months
State Prison Facility 633 3.0 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 2.0 months

Counsel Analysis

985
Public Defender
78.4% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
67
Private Attorney
59.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
62
Conflict Counsel
67.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
13
Self or Unrepresented
61.5% 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
Black 1,432 84.5% 0.4%
White 1,017 74.6% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.3%
Under 21
22.9%
21-29
31.8%
30-39
25.7%
40-49
9.6%
50-59
4.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 817 79.7% 0.1% 1 year, 6 months
2024 785 81.0% 0.6% 1 year, 4 months
2025 857 80.4% 0.0% 1 year, 2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 1,650
Misdemeanor First Degree 703
Felony Second Degree 89
Felony First Degree 15
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Alachua County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 2,599 65.8% 0.0%
Larceny / Theft 2,019 81.2% 0.5%
Battery 1,648 64.6% 1.9%
Other 1,219 69.8% 2.1%
Resisting Officer 1,083 78.9% 0.9%
Trespassing 966 85.3% 1.8%
Probation Violation 777 92.7% 1.7%
Fraud 744 79.7% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Alachua County?
The guilty rate is 80.4% based on 2,459 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Alachua County?
Adjudication is withheld in 9.8% 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 Drug Possession in Alachua County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $754.16.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
40.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Alachua 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 · 2,459 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026