Drug Possession in Charlotte County, Florida

3,831
Total Cases
92.7%
Guilty Rate
5.1%
Withheld Rate
0.1%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 3,831 Drug Possession cases in Charlotte County (2023-2025), 92.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 5.1% had adjudication withheld, and 0.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $2,769. 15.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
92.7% (3,552)
Withheld
5.1% (197)
Diversion
1.3% (50)
Dismissed
0.1% (4)
Acquitted
0.3% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence
6.9 months
Median Sentence
2.1 years
Avg Probation
$2,769
Avg Fine
19.6%
Prison Rate
59.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,291 8.1 months
State Prison Facility 749 4.4 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 5 11.4 months

Counsel Analysis

588
Private Attorney
89.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
142
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
97.2% 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 3,271 93.0% 0.0%
Black 469 95.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.7%
Under 21
16.9%
21-29
33.6%
30-39
27.2%
40-49
14.2%
50-59
5.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,369 92.0% 0.0% 1 year, 4 months
2024 1,268 94.8% 0.0% 2.0 years
2025 1,194 91.4% 0.3% 1 year, 5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,072
Felony Third Degree 1,536
Felony Second Degree 208
Felony First Degree 15

Related Charges in Charlotte County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 5,000 64.1% 0.1%
Larceny / Theft 1,127 85.5% 0.4%
DUI 1,003 97.9% 0.3%
Battery 910 74.9% 1.8%
Other 826 76.3% 0.8%
Resisting Officer 655 89.3% 0.5%
Trespassing 454 93.0% 0.2%
Fraud 372 78.8% 0.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Charlotte County?
The guilty rate is 92.7% based on 3,831 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Charlotte County?
Adjudication is withheld in 5.1% 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 Charlotte County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $2,769.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 15.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Charlotte 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 · 3,831 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026