Drug Possession in Leon County, Florida

3,703
Total Cases
67.5%
Guilty Rate
17.9%
Withheld Rate
1.1%
Dismissal Rate
8.0 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 3,703 Drug Possession cases in Leon County (2023-2025), 67.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 17.9% had adjudication withheld, and 1.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 8.0 months. 25.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 54.2% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Leon County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
67.5% (2,499)
Withheld
17.9% (662)
Diversion
10.1% (374)
Dismissed
1.1% (41)
Acquitted
0.3% (11)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.0 months
Avg Sentence
2.3 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
11.8%
Prison Rate
66.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,453 3.3 months
State Prison Facility 436 2.9 years

Counsel Analysis

2,006
Public Defender
71.8% guilty · 1.3% dismissed
943
Private Attorney
61.9% guilty · 0.5% dismissed
570
Conflict Counsel
78.1% guilty · 0.9% dismissed
184
Self or Unrepresented
15.8% guilty · 2.7% 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
Black 2,494 68.6% 1.1%
White 1,193 65.5% 1.2%

Age Distribution

7.0%
Under 21
26.2%
21-29
31.3%
30-39
21.0%
40-49
9.8%
50-59
4.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,527 66.2% 1.0% 7.4 months
2024 1,165 69.6% 1.1% 8.5 months
2025 1,011 67.0% 1.2% 8.3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
NULL Third Degree 1,896
NULL First Degree 1,531
NULL Second Degree 276

Related Charges in Leon County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 5,860 34.5% 0.6%
Larceny / Theft 2,983 57.6% 1.8%
Battery 2,235 43.0% 4.3%
Other 2,012 35.1% 2.0%
Trespassing 1,952 39.5% 2.5%
Resisting Officer 1,688 56.7% 3.4%
Fraud 932 54.9% 3.0%
Weapons Offense 844 78.4% 0.5%

Need a Defense Attorney in Leon County?

Get matched with a local attorney who handles Drug Possession cases. Free, confidential, no obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Leon County?
The guilty rate is 67.5% based on 3,703 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Leon County?
Adjudication is withheld in 17.9% 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 Leon County?
The average sentence is 8.0 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
54.2% of defendants use a public defender, while 25.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Leon 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 · 3,703 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026