Drug Possession in Lake County, Florida

4,332
Total Cases
77.5%
Guilty Rate
13.4%
Withheld Rate
0.8%
Dismissal Rate
9.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,332 Drug Possession cases in Lake County (2023-2025), 77.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 13.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.7 months, with an average fine of $314.07. 29.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 68.3% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Lake County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
77.5% (3,356)
Withheld
13.4% (582)
Diversion
7.8% (337)
Dismissed
0.8% (36)
Acquitted
0.1% (4)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.7 months
Avg Sentence
4.0 months
Median Sentence
2.1 years
Avg Probation
$314.07
Avg Fine
7.5%
Prison Rate
28.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,253 4.1 months
State Prison Facility 323 2.7 years
Confinement to Hospital Facility 3 3.0 months

Counsel Analysis

2,957
Public Defender
79.8% guilty · 0.6% dismissed
1,281
Private Attorney
73.1% guilty · 1.4% dismissed
94
Self or Unrepresented
64.9% 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 3,397 77.3% 0.9%
Black 917 78.6% 0.7%

Age Distribution

3.3%
Under 21
19.9%
21-29
37.2%
30-39
23.6%
40-49
11.8%
50-59
4.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,557 76.2% 0.8% 8.9 months
2024 1,373 78.7% 1.4% 10.6 months
2025 1,402 77.7% 0.4% 9.6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 2,032
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,606
Felony NULL 360
Misdemeanor NULL 307
Felony Second Degree 25
Felony First Degree 2

Related Charges in Lake County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 6,632 72.1% 0.6%
Other 4,297 16.3% 1.4%
Larceny / Theft 2,849 67.6% 1.1%
Battery 1,797 56.1% 1.7%
Resisting Officer 1,568 81.2% 2.0%
DUI 1,270 98.7% 0.8%
Trespassing 1,157 83.8% 4.4%
Sex Offense 920 87.3% 6.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Lake County?
The guilty rate is 77.5% based on 4,332 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Lake County?
Adjudication is withheld in 13.4% 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 Lake County?
The average sentence is 9.7 months, with an average fine of $314.07.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
68.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 29.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Lake 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 · 4,332 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026