Drug Possession in Lee County, Florida

5,953
Total Cases
79.4%
Guilty Rate
16.4%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 5,953 Drug Possession cases in Lee County (2023-2025), 79.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 16.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 2 months. 9.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 18.3% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Lee County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
79.4% (4,728)
Withheld
16.4% (978)
Diversion
3.4% (204)
Dismissed
0.2% (9)
Acquitted
0.2% (13)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 2 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 7 months
Avg Probation
13.2%
Prison Rate
40.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,403 4.9 months
State Prison Facility 783 3.6 years

Counsel Analysis

1,091
Public Defender
72.7% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
567
Private Attorney
70.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
78
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
89.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
15
Self or Unrepresented
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 4,392 78.5% 0.1%
Black 1,457 83.3% 0.2%
Asian 19 84.2% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.8%
Under 21
19.8%
21-29
36.7%
30-39
26.3%
40-49
10.1%
50-59
3.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,816 84.4% 0.2% 1 year, 3 months
2024 2,055 80.8% 0.1% 1 year
2025 2,082 73.8% 0.1% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 3,820
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,831
Felony Second Degree 294
Felony First Degree 7
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Lee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 5,651 78.7% 0.1%
DUI 3,521 98.2% 0.6%
Larceny / Theft 2,186 81.9% 0.5%
Resisting Officer 1,991 85.2% 1.6%
Battery 1,752 69.5% 1.8%
Trespassing 1,425 88.0% 4.5%
Other 1,124 70.6% 1.5%
Burglary 646 76.0% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Lee County?
The guilty rate is 79.4% based on 5,953 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Lee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 16.4% 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 Lee County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 2 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
18.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 9.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Lee 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 · 5,953 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026