Drug Possession in Marion County, Florida

8,981
Total Cases
77.5%
Guilty Rate
18.8%
Withheld Rate
2.2%
Dismissal Rate
11.0 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 8,981 Drug Possession cases in Marion County (2023-2025), 77.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.8% had adjudication withheld, and 2.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 11.0 months, with an average fine of $598.61. 2.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.9% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Marion County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
77.5% (6,963)
Withheld
18.8% (1,684)
Diversion
0.7% (67)
Dismissed
2.2% (194)
Acquitted
0.1% (10)

Sentencing Breakdown

11.0 months
Avg Sentence
4.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
$598.61
Avg Fine
15.7%
Prison Rate
69.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 6,262 4.1 months
State Prison Facility 1,406 3.4 years
Confined to Other Diversionary Facility 1 0 year, 12 months

Counsel Analysis

2,952
Public Defender
74.5% guilty · 2.2% dismissed
199
Private Attorney
43.7% guilty · 7.0% dismissed
177
Self or Unrepresented
30.5% guilty · 1.1% 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 5,063 79.8% 2.4%
Black 3,349 76.2% 1.5%
Asian 22 50.0% 9.1%

Age Distribution

5.6%
Under 21
20.6%
21-29
34.2%
30-39
22.3%
40-49
11.9%
50-59
5.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,818 78.7% 2.0% 11.8 months
2024 3,422 79.5% 2.0% 10.9 months
2025 2,741 73.8% 2.6% 10.2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 4,841
Felony Third Degree 4,006
Felony Second Degree 127
Felony First Degree 6
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Marion County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 8,998 66.7% 12.8%
Traffic Offense 6,934 61.4% 0.2%
Larceny / Theft 4,060 81.4% 0.3%
Battery 2,533 70.3% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 2,313 85.6% 0.4%
Trespassing 1,679 85.3% 0.1%
DUI 1,464 98.8% 0.3%
Sex Offense 1,463 93.6% 0.1%

Need a Defense Attorney in Marion 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 Marion County?
The guilty rate is 77.5% based on 8,981 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Marion County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.8% 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 Marion County?
The average sentence is 11.0 months, with an average fine of $598.61.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Marion 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 · 8,981 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026