Drug Possession in Hardee County, Florida

628
Total Cases
78.5%
Guilty Rate
6.4%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
9.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 628 Drug Possession cases in Hardee County (2023-2025), 78.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 6.4% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.9 months, with an average fine of $354.70. 1.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 31.8% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Hardee County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
78.5% (493)
Withheld
6.4% (40)
Diversion
11.6% (73)
Dismissed
1.0% (6)
Acquitted
0.2% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.9 months
Avg Sentence
6.7 months
Median Sentence
2.1 years
Avg Probation
$354.70
Avg Fine
9.2%
Prison Rate
38.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 241 6.2 months
State Prison Facility 58 2.1 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 1.5 months

Counsel Analysis

200
Public Defender
81.0% guilty · 1.5% dismissed
13
Self or Unrepresented
30.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
9
Private Attorney
55.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
80.0% 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 461 79.0% 1.1%
Black 81 79.0% 1.2%

Age Distribution

4.3%
Under 21
22.6%
21-29
34.9%
30-39
22.5%
40-49
12.9%
50-59
2.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 192 81.8% 0.5% 9.1 months
2024 235 80.4% 1.3% 9.9 months
2025 201 73.1% 1.0% 11.0 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 434
Felony Third Degree 191
Felony Second Degree 3

Related Charges in Hardee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,107 56.1% 13.6%
Other 292 67.8% 10.3%
Battery 243 62.1% 11.1%
Resisting Officer 209 80.4% 2.9%
Trespassing 153 51.0% 17.0%
Larceny / Theft 144 68.8% 6.9%
DUI 124 98.4% 1.6%
Weapons Offense 60 88.3% 1.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Hardee County?
The guilty rate is 78.5% based on 628 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Hardee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 6.4% 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 Hardee County?
The average sentence is 9.9 months, with an average fine of $354.70.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
31.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hardee 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 · 628 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026