Drug Possession in Desoto County, Florida

1,490
Total Cases
73.7%
Guilty Rate
25.0%
Withheld Rate
0.7%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,490 Drug Possession cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 73.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 25.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.7% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $467.65. 3.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 24.4% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
73.7% (1,098)
Withheld
25.0% (373)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.7% (11)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$467.65
Avg Fine
15.5%
Prison Rate
22.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 331 6.8 months
State Prison Facility 231 3.1 years

Counsel Analysis

363
Public Defender
77.1% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
92
Self or Unrepresented
39.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
47
Private Attorney
48.9% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
Conflict Counsel
87.5% 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 851 75.3% 1.1%
Black 389 74.3% 0.5%

Age Distribution

5.6%
Under 21
21.3%
21-29
36.6%
30-39
21.3%
40-49
10.9%
50-59
4.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 522 71.5% 1.7% 1 year, 7 months
2024 519 75.5% 0.4% 1 year, 8 months
2025 449 74.2% 0.0% 1 year, 7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 971
Felony Third Degree 504
Felony First Degree 11
Felony Second Degree 4

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%
Burglary 155 92.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 73.7% based on 1,490 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 25.0% 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 Drug Possession in Desoto County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $467.65.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
24.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 3.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 1,490 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026