Drug Possession in Columbia County, Florida

852
Total Cases
83.1%
Guilty Rate
7.9%
Withheld Rate
0.5%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 852 Drug Possession cases in Columbia County (2023-2025), 83.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 7.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $6,686. 1.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 36.4% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
83.1% (708)
Withheld
7.9% (67)
Diversion
7.6% (65)
Dismissed
0.5% (4)
Acquitted
0.5% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence
11.0 months
Median Sentence
3.4 years
Avg Probation
$6,686
Avg Fine
16.2%
Prison Rate
17.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 152 2.8 months
State Prison Facility 138 3.1 years

Counsel Analysis

310
Public Defender
81.0% guilty · 0.6% dismissed
15
Private Attorney
40.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
Self or Unrepresented
37.5% 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
White 546 84.6% 0.4%
Black 274 82.1% 0.7%

Age Distribution

4.9%
Under 21
20.7%
21-29
36.2%
30-39
23.9%
40-49
11.2%
50-59
3.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 357 84.3% 0.0% 2.1 years
2024 216 79.6% 0.9% 1 year, 6 months
2025 279 84.2% 0.7% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 430
Misdemeanor First Degree 397
Felony Second Degree 23
Felony First Degree 2

Related Charges in Columbia County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,963 56.1% 0.1%
Larceny / Theft 712 64.0% 0.0%
Other 568 48.2% 2.1%
Resisting Officer 413 79.7% 0.7%
Fraud 409 76.5% 0.2%
Battery 325 74.5% 0.3%
Weapons Offense 165 84.2% 0.0%
Trespassing 157 86.6% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Columbia County?
The guilty rate is 83.1% based on 852 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Columbia County?
Adjudication is withheld in 7.9% 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 Columbia County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $6,686.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
36.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Columbia 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 · 852 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026