Drug Possession in Pasco County, Florida

8,302
Total Cases
76.1%
Guilty Rate
18.0%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 5 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 8,302 Drug Possession cases in Pasco County (2023-2025), 76.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 5 months, with an average fine of $159.69. 19.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 67.9% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Pasco County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
76.1% (6,319)
Withheld
18.0% (1,493)
Diversion
5.1% (425)
Dismissed
0.2% (14)
Acquitted
0.1% (5)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 5 months
Avg Sentence
9.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 9 months
Avg Probation
$159.69
Avg Fine
15.8%
Prison Rate
27.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,320 6.1 months
State Prison Facility 1,313 3.1 years

Counsel Analysis

5,638
Public Defender
77.6% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
1,576
Private Attorney
66.7% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
965
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
91.0% 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 7,275 77.3% 0.2%
Black 919 70.8% 0.3%
American Indian or Alaska Native 25 56.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.8%
Under 21
18.1%
21-29
34.5%
30-39
25.9%
40-49
12.3%
50-59
4.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,679 78.5% 0.1% 1 year, 6 months
2024 2,826 75.9% 0.1% 1 year, 4 months
2025 2,797 74.0% 0.4% 1 year, 6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 4,996
Misdemeanor First Degree 3,234
Felony Second Degree 62
Felony First Degree 6
Felony First Degree punishable by life 2
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in Pasco County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 6,884 66.2% 0.5%
Battery 4,014 57.2% 1.8%
Larceny / Theft 3,547 66.7% 0.7%
Other 2,290 53.8% 1.1%
Resisting Officer 2,194 76.4% 1.1%
DUI 2,016 96.2% 2.5%
Trespassing 1,581 77.7% 3.3%
Burglary 1,373 77.8% 1.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Pasco County?
The guilty rate is 76.1% based on 8,302 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Pasco County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.0% 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 Pasco County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 5 months, with an average fine of $159.69.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
67.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 19.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pasco 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 · 8,302 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026