Drug Possession in Polk County, Florida

17,533
Total Cases
79.4%
Guilty Rate
14.2%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
7.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 17,533 Drug Possession cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 79.4% resulted in a guilty finding, 14.2% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.9 months, with an average fine of $199.13. 11.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.0% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
79.4% (13,926)
Withheld
14.2% (2,488)
Diversion
5.3% (927)
Dismissed
0.2% (30)
Acquitted
0.1% (25)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.9 months
Avg Sentence
3.3 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 5 months
Avg Probation
$199.13
Avg Fine
5.8%
Prison Rate
39.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 6,841 3.5 months
State Prison Facility 1,024 3.0 years

Counsel Analysis

6,952
Self or Unrepresented
71.7% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
5,606
Public Defender
88.0% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
2,094
Private Attorney
80.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
50
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
98.0% 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 11,872 81.1% 0.1%
Black 5,564 76.2% 0.2%
Asian 83 62.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.6%
Under 21
24.0%
21-29
29.2%
30-39
22.6%
40-49
12.1%
50-59
5.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 5,491 77.8% 0.1% 7.8 months
2024 6,079 79.6% 0.3% 7.5 months
2025 5,963 80.8% 0.1% 8.4 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 14,125
Felony Third Degree 3,247
Felony Second Degree 135
Felony First Degree 20
Misdemeanor Second Degree 6

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%
Sex Offense 2,588 57.3% 0.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 79.4% based on 17,533 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 14.2% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 7.9 months, with an average fine of $199.13.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 11.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 17,533 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026