Drug Possession in Hernando County, Florida

3,268
Total Cases
67.9%
Guilty Rate
14.9%
Withheld Rate
2.8%
Dismissal Rate
1 year
Avg Sentence

Based on 3,268 Drug Possession cases in Hernando County (2023-2025), 67.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 14.9% had adjudication withheld, and 2.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, with an average fine of $335.53. 0.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 26.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
67.9% (2,219)
Withheld
14.9% (486)
Diversion
13.9% (454)
Dismissed
2.8% (93)
Acquitted
0.1% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year
Avg Sentence
6.1 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$335.53
Avg Fine
14.0%
Prison Rate
50.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,643 4.9 months
State Prison Facility 458 3.2 years

Counsel Analysis

849
Public Defender
69.1% guilty · 2.6% dismissed
432
Other
44.9% guilty · 3.7% dismissed
60
Self or Unrepresented
30.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
24
Private Attorney
45.8% guilty · 4.2% 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 2,626 68.4% 3.0%
Black 559 67.1% 2.7%

Age Distribution

5.6%
Under 21
19.9%
21-29
32.2%
30-39
23.9%
40-49
12.9%
50-59
5.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,073 68.5% 2.2% 11.1 months
2024 1,046 69.0% 3.7% 1 year
2025 1,149 66.3% 2.6% 1 year, 1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,945
Felony Third Degree 1,221
Felony Second Degree 102

Related Charges in Hernando County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Larceny / Theft 2,833 48.5% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 2,485 73.5% 0.2%
Battery 1,342 56.3% 1.2%
Other 1,270 64.7% 5.1%
Resisting Officer 796 75.1% 0.4%
Trespassing 694 87.9% 0.4%
DUI 660 98.3% 0.2%
Burglary 526 86.9% 1.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Hernando County?
The guilty rate is 67.9% based on 3,268 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Hernando County?
Adjudication is withheld in 14.9% 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 Hernando County?
The average sentence is 1 year, with an average fine of $335.53.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
26.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hernando 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 · 3,268 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026