Drug Possession in Manatee County, Florida

5,094
Total Cases
65.7%
Guilty Rate
26.0%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 5,094 Drug Possession cases in Manatee County (2023-2025), 65.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 26.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $2,437. 4.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 40.0% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Manatee County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
65.7% (3,345)
Withheld
26.0% (1,323)
Diversion
6.1% (312)
Dismissed
1.0% (49)
Acquitted
0.1% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 6 months
Avg Sentence
6.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 11 months
Avg Probation
$2,437
Avg Fine
9.9%
Prison Rate
23.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,204 5.8 months
State Prison Facility 505 3.9 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 0 year, 12 months

Counsel Analysis

2,040
Public Defender
67.4% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
344
Self or Unrepresented
9.6% guilty · 3.5% dismissed
229
Private Attorney
36.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
12
Conflict Counsel
58.3% 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 3,162 67.9% 0.9%
Black 1,771 63.9% 1.0%
Asian 15 80.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.5%
Under 21
25.3%
21-29
35.4%
30-39
19.2%
40-49
8.9%
50-59
4.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,593 70.9% 1.3% 1 year, 8 months
2024 1,601 66.1% 0.7% 1 year, 7 months
2025 1,900 60.9% 0.8% 1 year, 3 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 2,543
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,405
Felony Second Degree 133
Felony First Degree 11
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Manatee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 14,788 44.5% 2.5%
Larceny / Theft 2,751 58.6% 3.5%
Battery 1,908 57.1% 4.4%
Other 1,811 48.3% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 1,585 71.0% 3.7%
Trespassing 1,194 72.9% 7.6%
Fraud 1,003 68.3% 1.1%
Sex Offense 1,001 85.7% 7.5%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Manatee County?
The guilty rate is 65.7% based on 5,094 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Manatee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 26.0% 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 Manatee County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 6 months, with an average fine of $2,437.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
40.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Manatee 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 · 5,094 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026