Drug Possession in Palm Beach County, Florida

10,290
Total Cases
66.2%
Guilty Rate
12.5%
Withheld Rate
0.9%
Dismissal Rate
7.4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 10,290 Drug Possession cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 66.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 12.5% had adjudication withheld, and 0.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.4 months, with an average fine of $7,609. 23.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 65.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
66.2% (6,811)
Withheld
12.5% (1,287)
Diversion
19.5% (2,006)
Dismissed
0.9% (96)
Acquitted
0.1% (8)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.4 months
Avg Sentence
1.5 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 12 months
Avg Probation
$7,609
Avg Fine
8.1%
Prison Rate
48.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 4,991 2.3 months
State Prison Facility 837 3.1 years

Counsel Analysis

6,696
Public Defender
75.1% guilty · 1.3% dismissed
2,370
Private Attorney
60.7% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
1,224
Self or Unrepresented
28.0% guilty · 0.5% 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 5,285 70.0% 0.9%
White 4,979 62.4% 1.0%
Asian 20 10.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.2%
Under 21
26.2%
21-29
31.9%
30-39
19.3%
40-49
10.1%
50-59
6.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 3,278 67.8% 0.8% 7.7 months
2024 3,453 64.4% 1.7% 7.6 months
2025 3,559 66.5% 0.3% 6.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 6,041
Felony Third Degree 3,971
Felony Second Degree 236
Felony First Degree 32
Misdemeanor Second Degree 10

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%
Sex Offense 2,820 88.7% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 66.2% based on 10,290 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 12.5% 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 7.4 months, with an average fine of $7,609.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
65.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 23.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 10,290 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026