Drug Possession in Holmes County, Florida

Drug possession cases in Holmes County result in guilty findings at a substantially higher rate than the statewide pattern. With an 85.5% guilty rate compared to a statewide withheld rate of 17.4%, Holmes County prosecutes these cases more aggressively, moving toward formal convictions rather than withheld adjudications. The county also dismisses cases at roughly half the statewide rate—0.6% versus 1.5%—and offers no pre-trial diversion programs, while statewide 5.3% of drug possession cases are diverted. This suggests the local State Attorney prioritizes conviction over alternative resolution paths.

When defendants are found guilty or receive withheld adjudication in Holmes County, sentences reflect substantial consequences. The median sentence spans 93 days, with probation averaging nearly 1,127 days. About half of defendants face jail time, 9.8% serve prison sentences, and fines average $1,181. Notably, 31.8% of defendants retain private counsel while 12.8% are represented by public defenders, indicating that a significant portion navigate this system without publicly funded legal representation.

0.6% of Drug Possession cases in Holmes County are dismissed, and 13.8% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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1,072
Total Cases
85.5%
Guilty Rate
13.8%
Withheld Rate
0.6%
Dismissal Rate
10.0 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
85.5% (917)
Withheld
13.8% (148)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.6% (6)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

10.0 months
Avg Sentence
3.1 months
Median Sentence
3.1 years
Avg Probation
$1,181
Avg Fine
9.8%
Prison Rate
49.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 526 5.3 months
State Prison Facility 105 2.8 years

Counsel Analysis

341
Private Attorney
80.1% guilty · 1.2% dismissed
137
Public Defender
88.3% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
35
Self or Unrepresented
77.1% 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 953 86.0% 0.3%
Black 104 82.7% 1.9%

Age Distribution

3.6%
Under 21
17.1%
21-29
30.8%
30-39
26.1%
40-49
16.5%
50-59
5.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 329 80.2% 1.5% 8.9 months
2024 384 87.5% 0.0% 11.1 months
2025 359 88.3% 0.3% 9.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 540
Felony Third Degree 507
Misdemeanor Second Degree 15
Felony Second Degree 9
Felony First Degree 1

Related Charges in Holmes County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 435 72.0% 0.5%
Other 266 83.1% 3.4%
Battery 264 79.5% 1.1%
Resisting Officer 159 89.9% 0.0%
Disorderly Conduct 121 64.5% 0.0%
Larceny / Theft 117 83.8% 1.7%
Drug Sale 78 98.7% 0.0%
Sex Offense 70 100.0% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Holmes County?
The guilty rate is 85.5% based on 1,072 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Holmes County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.8% 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 Holmes County?
The average sentence is 10.0 months, with an average fine of $1,181.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
12.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 31.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Holmes 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 · 1,072 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026