Drug Possession in Monroe County, Florida

1,748
Total Cases
50.9%
Guilty Rate
25.1%
Withheld Rate
1.5%
Dismissal Rate
9.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,748 Drug Possession cases in Monroe County (2023-2025), 50.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 25.1% had adjudication withheld, and 1.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.2 months. 61.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 28.9% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Monroe County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
50.9% (889)
Withheld
25.1% (438)
Diversion
22.6% (395)
Dismissed
1.5% (26)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.2 months
Avg Sentence
5.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
5.8%
Prison Rate
34.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 598 5.2 months
State Prison Facility 101 2.7 years

Counsel Analysis

1,077
Private Attorney
45.9% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
506
Public Defender
63.4% guilty · 2.4% dismissed
127
Self or Unrepresented
30.7% guilty · 4.7% dismissed
38
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
92.1% 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 1,190 49.4% 1.3%
Black 322 65.5% 0.9%
Not Available 48 25.0% 10.4%

Age Distribution

5.5%
Under 21
22.1%
21-29
33.8%
30-39
19.7%
40-49
12.8%
50-59
6.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 606 49.7% 1.3% 11.4 months
2024 591 55.8% 1.9% 8.0 months
2025 551 46.8% 1.3% 7.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 893
Felony Third Degree 804
Felony Second Degree 40
Felony First Degree 10
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Monroe County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,683 30.4% 0.4%
Other 2,686 38.2% 1.8%
Trespassing 911 87.0% 0.3%
Resisting Officer 823 65.9% 0.6%
DUI 775 93.8% 2.5%
Larceny / Theft 736 75.5% 1.0%
Battery 658 53.5% 0.8%
Fraud 392 63.0% 0.5%

Need a Defense Attorney in Monroe 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 Monroe County?
The guilty rate is 50.9% based on 1,748 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Monroe County?
Adjudication is withheld in 25.1% 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 Monroe County?
The average sentence is 9.2 months.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
28.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 61.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Monroe 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 · 1,748 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026