Drug Possession in Duval County, Florida

16,550
Total Cases
72.2%
Guilty Rate
26.9%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
8.1 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 16,550 Drug Possession cases in Duval County (2023-2025), 72.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 26.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 8.1 months, with an average fine of $155.57. 20.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 62.7% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Duval County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
72.2% (11,956)
Withheld
26.9% (4,451)
Diversion
0.4% (66)
Dismissed
0.2% (34)
Acquitted
0.1% (17)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.1 months
Avg Sentence
2.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 3 months
Avg Probation
$155.57
Avg Fine
9.8%
Prison Rate
61.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 10,252 3.3 months
State Prison Facility 1,628 3.1 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 1.2 months

Counsel Analysis

10,372
Public Defender
77.6% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
3,439
Private Attorney
72.7% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
2,739
Self or Unrepresented
51.3% guilty · 0.6% 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 10,106 72.5% 0.3%
White 6,179 72.3% 0.1%
Asian 191 67.0% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 25 76.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.5%
Under 21
23.7%
21-29
35.0%
30-39
21.6%
40-49
9.8%
50-59
4.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 5,881 70.3% 0.2% 9.7 months
2024 5,793 73.1% 0.3% 7.7 months
2025 4,876 73.5% 0.1% 6.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 9,105
Felony Third Degree 6,803
Felony Second Degree 588
Felony First Degree 53
Felony Life 1

Related Charges in Duval County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 22,946 34.7% 3.3%
Other 12,327 22.2% 0.3%
Larceny / Theft 9,863 67.3% 0.3%
Battery 6,652 64.8% 0.5%
Resisting Officer 6,131 78.9% 0.2%
Trespassing 5,388 81.5% 0.3%
DUI 4,840 98.2% 0.2%
Weapons Offense 2,378 81.3% 0.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Duval County?
The guilty rate is 72.2% based on 16,550 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Duval County?
Adjudication is withheld in 26.9% 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 Duval County?
The average sentence is 8.1 months, with an average fine of $155.57.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
62.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 20.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Duval 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 · 16,550 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026