Drug Possession in Orange County, Florida

9,214
Total Cases
67.6%
Guilty Rate
20.9%
Withheld Rate
1.2%
Dismissal Rate
3.2 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 9,214 Drug Possession cases in Orange County (2023-2025), 67.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 20.9% had adjudication withheld, and 1.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 3.2 months, with an average fine of $409.61. 11.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 76.6% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
67.6% (6,229)
Withheld
20.9% (1,925)
Diversion
7.0% (644)
Dismissed
1.2% (111)
Acquitted
0.2% (20)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.2 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 2 months
Avg Probation
$409.61
Avg Fine
3.2%
Prison Rate
82.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 7,566 2.3 months
State Prison Facility 294 2.2 years

Counsel Analysis

7,058
Public Defender
70.5% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
1,080
Private Attorney
44.7% guilty · 1.2% dismissed
353
Conflict Counsel
73.4% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
229
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
72.1% 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
Black 5,375 71.5% 1.1%
White 3,712 62.8% 1.3%

Age Distribution

2.8%
Under 21
20.6%
21-29
33.5%
30-39
24.7%
40-49
12.3%
50-59
6.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,899 65.1% 1.3% 3.6 months
2024 3,960 72.2% 1.3% 3.1 months
2025 3,355 63.6% 1.0% 3.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 6,156
Misdemeanor First Degree 3,006
Felony Second Degree 50
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Orange County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 19,880 20.8% 31.3%
Larceny / Theft 8,081 56.3% 2.6%
Other 4,160 34.8% 8.1%
DUI 4,013 49.9% 2.4%
Battery 3,807 43.6% 5.4%
Trespassing 3,759 66.1% 6.5%
Resisting Officer 3,107 59.1% 3.8%
Weapons Offense 1,729 49.6% 6.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Orange County?
The guilty rate is 67.6% based on 9,214 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Orange County?
Adjudication is withheld in 20.9% 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 Orange County?
The average sentence is 3.2 months, with an average fine of $409.61.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
76.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 11.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Orange 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 · 9,214 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026