Drug Possession in Liberty County, Florida
93 cases (2025) · Liberty County courts
Updated July 2026 · 2025 data
In 2025, Liberty County's 93 drug possession cases showed the most lenient conviction pattern statewide. Guilty verdicts reached only 69.9%, while 23.7% adjudication withheld—the highest withheld rate in Florida—meaning guilt was found but not formally recorded as a conviction. Dismissals were 2.2%, slightly above the statewide average of 1.4 percentage points, suggesting the State Attorney prioritizes conviction avoidance.
Sentences emphasized local jail over state prison. Median sentence was just 47.5 days, with average probation of 683.6 days. Nearly 80% of defendants (79.6%) received jail time, while only 4.3% faced prison—indicating short-term detention rather than long-term incarceration. Fines were minimal at $172 average. The pattern suggests prosecutorial restraint and judicial preference for supervised probation over imprisonment.
Outcome Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Case outcomes (2025)
Largest outcomeGuilty — 69.9% of 93 cases.
Source: FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency · 93 cases · 2025 — FloridaCourtFile.com
Sentencing Breakdown (2025)
Exhibit · Sentencing when convicted (2025)
Confinement-type detail below is computed across all available years (2023-2025).
| Confinement Type | Count | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| County Jail | 200 | 4.3 months |
| State Prison Facility | 28 | 2.6 years |
Convicted defendants' full sentencing detail — sentence ranges, fines, prison vs. probation odds: Drug Possession sentencing in Liberty County.
Counsel Analysis (2025)
Demographics (2025)
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 | 73 | 75.3% | 0.0% |
| Black | 16 | 43.8% | 12.5% |
Age Distribution (2025)
Year-Over-Year Trends
Exhibit · Disposition trends
| Year | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate | Avg Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 127 | 71.7% | 6.3% | 8.7 months |
| 2024 | 55 | 72.7% | 1.8% | 7.2 months |
| 2025 | 93 | 69.9% | 2.2% | 6.2 months |
Charge Level Breakdown
| Level | Degree | Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Felony | Third Degree | 137 |
| Misdemeanor | First Degree | 135 |
| Felony | Second Degree | 3 |
Related Charges in Liberty County
Rates shown are 2025 unless marked otherwise.
| Charge | Cases | Guilty Rate | Dismissal Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traffic Offense | 64 | 57.8% | 0.0% |
| Other | 40 | 50.0% | 20.0% |
| Battery | 69 (2023-2025) | 50.7% | 10.1% |
| Resisting Officer | 52 (2023-2025) | 65.4% | 11.5% |
| Trespassing | 42 (2023-2025) | 42.9% | 28.6% |
| Larceny / Theft | 33 (2023-2025) | 51.5% | 6.1% |
| Contempt of Court | 23 (2023-2025) | 47.8% | 17.4% |
| Assault | 18 (2023-2025) | 55.6% | 0.0% |
Need a Defense Attorney in Liberty 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 Liberty County?
The guilty rate is 69.9% based on 93 cases (2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Liberty County?
Adjudication is withheld in 23.7% of cases (2025). 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 Liberty County?
The average sentence is 6.2 months, with an average fine of $172 (2025).
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
47.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel (2025).
Cite this page
FloridaCourtFile.com (2026). Drug Possession in Liberty County, Florida (2025). Based on 93 public court records; last updated July 2026. https://www.floridacourtfile.com/charges/drug-possession/liberty
About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Liberty 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 · 93 cases (2025) · Data last updated July 2026 — FloridaCourtFile.com