Drug Possession in Pinellas County, Florida

21,661
Total Cases
74.6%
Guilty Rate
19.2%
Withheld Rate
1.4%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 21,661 Drug Possession cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 74.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 19.2% had adjudication withheld, and 1.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $150.14. 1.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 4.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
74.6% (16,151)
Withheld
19.2% (4,149)
Diversion
4.2% (902)
Dismissed
1.4% (294)
Acquitted
0.1% (20)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 11 months
Avg Probation
$150.14
Avg Fine
20.0%
Prison Rate
47.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 10,316 4.3 months
State Prison Facility 4,332 3.5 years

Counsel Analysis

20,127
Self or Unrepresented
77.6% guilty · 1.4% dismissed
1,043
Public Defender
32.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
405
Private Attorney
33.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
56
Conflict Counsel
75.0% guilty · 1.8% dismissed
30
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
50.0% guilty · 23.3% 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 12,209 74.7% 1.3%
Black 7,794 76.3% 1.5%
Asian 132 66.7% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 47 83.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.2%
Under 21
20.8%
21-29
34.3%
30-39
23.1%
40-49
11.6%
50-59
6.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 7,567 72.9% 1.5% 1 year, 6 months
2024 7,156 76.0% 1.1% 1 year, 3 months
2025 6,938 74.9% 1.5% 1 year

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 12,053
Misdemeanor First Degree 7,700
Felony Second Degree 1,906
Felony First Degree 2

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
Traffic Offense 18,743 72.7% 1.6%
DUI 7,725 97.6% 0.8%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%
Fraud 2,792 73.2% 4.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 74.6% based on 21,661 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 19.2% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $150.14.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
4.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 21,661 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026