Drug Possession in Liberty County, Florida

275
Total Cases
69.5%
Guilty Rate
21.1%
Withheld Rate
4.0%
Dismissal Rate
6.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 275 Drug Possession cases in Liberty County (2023-2025), 69.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 21.1% had adjudication withheld, and 4.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.7 months, with an average fine of $172.44. 1.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 52.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
69.5% (191)
Withheld
21.1% (58)
Diversion
1.8% (5)
Dismissed
4.0% (11)
Acquitted
1.8% (5)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.7 months
Avg Sentence
2.2 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 11 months
Avg Probation
$172.44
Avg Fine
9.8%
Prison Rate
71.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 197 4.1 months
State Prison Facility 27 2.1 years

Counsel Analysis

143
Public Defender
69.9% guilty · 2.1% 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 219 69.4% 3.7%
Black 49 71.4% 6.1%

Age Distribution

2.2%
Under 21
18.5%
21-29
30.9%
30-39
29.1%
40-49
12.7%
50-59
6.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 127 69.3% 6.3% 8.7 months
2024 55 70.9% 1.8% 7.1 months
2025 93 68.8% 2.2% 3.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 137
Misdemeanor First Degree 135
Felony Second Degree 3

Related Charges in Liberty County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 200 50.0% 3.0%
Other 125 42.4% 19.2%
Battery 68 51.5% 8.8%
Resisting Officer 52 65.4% 11.5%
Trespassing 42 42.9% 28.6%
Larceny / Theft 34 52.9% 5.9%
Contempt of Court 23 47.8% 17.4%
Assault 18 55.6% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Liberty County?
The guilty rate is 69.5% based on 275 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Liberty County?
Adjudication is withheld in 21.1% 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 Liberty County?
The average sentence is 6.7 months, with an average fine of $172.44.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
52.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.1% retain private counsel.

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 · 275 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026