Drug Possession in Hillsborough County, Florida

17,469
Total Cases
71.8%
Guilty Rate
16.7%
Withheld Rate
1.9%
Dismissal Rate
10.3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 17,469 Drug Possession cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 71.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 16.7% had adjudication withheld, and 1.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 10.3 months, with an average fine of $9,098. 67.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 33.0% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Hillsborough County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
71.8% (12,547)
Withheld
16.7% (2,911)
Diversion
7.9% (1,386)
Dismissed
1.9% (336)
Acquitted
0.1% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

10.3 months
Avg Sentence
4.0 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$9,098
Avg Fine
9.5%
Prison Rate
43.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 7,523 4.8 months
State Prison Facility 1,660 2.9 years

Counsel Analysis

11,712
Private Attorney
70.5% guilty · 2.2% dismissed
5,757
Public Defender
74.6% guilty · 1.4% 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 9,634 69.8% 2.0%
Black 7,548 75.4% 1.8%
Asian 67 41.8% 6.0%
Not Available 14 28.6% 21.4%
American Indian or Alaska Native 12 50.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.7%
Under 21
22.5%
21-29
35.8%
30-39
23.2%
40-49
9.9%
50-59
3.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 5,676 72.4% 2.4% 11.0 months
2024 5,440 73.2% 1.5% 10.1 months
2025 6,353 70.1% 1.8% 9.6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 10,782
Misdemeanor First Degree 6,361
Felony Second Degree 250
Felony First Degree 54
Misdemeanor Second Degree 22

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%
DUI 4,996 89.7% 1.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 71.8% based on 17,469 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 16.7% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 10.3 months, with an average fine of $9,098.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
33.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 67.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 17,469 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026