Drug Possession in Escambia County, Florida

6,479
Total Cases
74.5%
Guilty Rate
17.0%
Withheld Rate
4.8%
Dismissal Rate
1 year
Avg Sentence

Based on 6,479 Drug Possession cases in Escambia County (2023-2025), 74.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 17.0% had adjudication withheld, and 4.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, with an average fine of $464.34. 0.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 6.2% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
74.5% (4,829)
Withheld
17.0% (1,101)
Diversion
2.8% (182)
Dismissed
4.8% (314)
Acquitted
0.3% (22)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year
Avg Sentence
9.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 8 months
Avg Probation
$464.34
Avg Fine
7.0%
Prison Rate
23.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,522 7.0 months
State Prison Facility 453 2.5 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 10.3 months

Counsel Analysis

2,954
Self or Unrepresented
78.9% guilty · 2.5% dismissed
2,299
Other
79.5% guilty · 3.5% dismissed
404
Public Defender
75.7% guilty · 2.5% dismissed
100
Conflict Counsel
70.0% guilty · 2.0% dismissed
32
Private Attorney
87.5% guilty · 6.2% dismissed
19
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
84.2% 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 3,651 76.6% 4.2%
Black 2,686 72.2% 5.7%
Asian 22 27.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.4%
Under 21
23.2%
21-29
33.9%
30-39
22.7%
40-49
10.7%
50-59
4.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,021 74.2% 6.3% 1 year, 2 months
2024 2,101 79.4% 1.6% 10.8 months
2025 2,357 70.5% 6.5% 0 year, 12 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
NULL NULL 2,613
Felony Third Degree 2,008
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,804
Felony Second Degree 51
Felony First Degree 3

Related Charges in Escambia County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 8,937 54.7% 16.0%
Larceny / Theft 5,240 70.7% 6.8%
Other 4,132 36.0% 5.9%
Battery 2,484 61.5% 12.7%
Trespassing 1,919 84.7% 5.5%
Resisting Officer 1,700 77.1% 6.4%
Fraud 1,552 52.1% 26.3%
DUI 1,374 90.6% 6.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Escambia County?
The guilty rate is 74.5% based on 6,479 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Escambia County?
Adjudication is withheld in 17.0% 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 Escambia County?
The average sentence is 1 year, with an average fine of $464.34.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
6.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Escambia 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 · 6,479 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026