Drug Possession in Okaloosa County, Florida

4,659
Total Cases
76.3%
Guilty Rate
18.2%
Withheld Rate
0.4%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,659 Drug Possession cases in Okaloosa County (2023-2025), 76.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.2% had adjudication withheld, and 0.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 5 months, with an average fine of $396.43. 7.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 30.4% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
76.3% (3,557)
Withheld
18.2% (846)
Diversion
4.8% (223)
Dismissed
0.4% (17)
Acquitted
0.1% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 5 months
Avg Sentence
0 year, 12 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
$396.43
Avg Fine
5.5%
Prison Rate
9.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 421 6.2 months
State Prison Facility 255 3.0 years
Confinement to Hospital Facility 2 6.1 months

Counsel Analysis

1,418
Public Defender
79.4% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
331
Private Attorney
55.3% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
262
Conflict Counsel
84.0% guilty · 0.8% dismissed
190
Self or Unrepresented
45.8% guilty · 2.1% dismissed
137
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
84.7% 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 3,402 75.6% 0.2%
Black 1,071 80.3% 0.8%
Not Available 45 75.6% 0.0%
Asian 37 73.0% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 18 55.6% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.4%
Under 21
21.7%
21-29
34.8%
30-39
24.3%
40-49
9.7%
50-59
4.1%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,656 74.6% 0.3% 1 year, 2 months
2024 1,633 76.4% 0.4% 1 year, 9 months
2025 1,370 78.4% 0.4% 3.0 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,487
Felony Third Degree 2,035
Felony Second Degree 93
NULL NULL 43
Felony First Degree 1

Related Charges in Okaloosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 6,224 37.4% 2.7%
Other 5,019 21.2% 1.7%
Larceny / Theft 1,807 69.7% 0.9%
Resisting Officer 1,390 68.7% 1.5%
Battery 1,375 52.7% 1.3%
DUI 1,239 97.3% 1.2%
Trespassing 1,051 77.1% 0.6%
Sex Offense 816 90.7% 3.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Okaloosa County?
The guilty rate is 76.3% based on 4,659 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Okaloosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.2% 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 Okaloosa County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 5 months, with an average fine of $396.43.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
30.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 7.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Okaloosa 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 · 4,659 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026