Drug Possession in Miami-Dade County, Florida

6,986
Total Cases
65.1%
Guilty Rate
28.1%
Withheld Rate
0.7%
Dismissal Rate
6.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 6,986 Drug Possession cases in Miami-Dade County (2023-2025), 65.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 28.1% had adjudication withheld, and 0.7% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.7 months, with an average fine of $445.35. 12.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 80.3% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Miami-Dade County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
65.1% (4,549)
Withheld
28.1% (1,964)
Diversion
5.9% (410)
Dismissed
0.7% (52)
Acquitted
0.1% (8)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.7 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 2 months
Avg Probation
$445.35
Avg Fine
8.7%
Prison Rate
53.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 3,764 2.9 months
State Prison Facility 605 2.5 years
Confinement to Hospital Facility 1 4.0 months

Counsel Analysis

5,609
Public Defender
68.4% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
886
Private Attorney
43.2% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
276
Conflict Counsel
64.9% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
179
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
77.7% 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 3,842 57.5% 0.8%
Black 3,133 74.6% 0.7%

Age Distribution

1.9%
Under 21
16.8%
21-29
33.0%
30-39
23.6%
40-49
14.4%
50-59
10.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,051 64.7% 1.2% 8.9 months
2024 2,085 65.0% 0.4% 5.8 months
2025 2,850 65.5% 0.6% 5.7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 5,099
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,431
Felony Second Degree 363
Felony First Degree 67
NULL NULL 26

Related Charges in Miami-Dade County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 17,318 16.9% 54.7%
Larceny / Theft 13,324 61.6% 1.0%
Resisting Officer 6,189 50.6% 2.1%
Battery 5,809 42.9% 2.0%
Burglary 4,095 72.7% 1.1%
Fraud 4,065 41.6% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 3,507 56.1% 8.3%
Weapons Offense 3,012 61.0% 2.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Miami-Dade County?
The guilty rate is 65.1% based on 6,986 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Miami-Dade County?
Adjudication is withheld in 28.1% 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 Miami-Dade County?
The average sentence is 6.7 months, with an average fine of $445.35.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
80.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 12.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Miami-Dade 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 · 6,986 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026