Drug Possession in Putnam County, Florida

2,785
Total Cases
76.9%
Guilty Rate
18.4%
Withheld Rate
0.2%
Dismissal Rate
9.4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,785 Drug Possession cases in Putnam County (2023-2025), 76.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.4 months, with an average fine of $3,278. 1.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 40.1% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Putnam County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
76.9% (2,143)
Withheld
18.4% (512)
Diversion
4.4% (123)
Dismissed
0.2% (5)
Acquitted
0.0% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.4 months
Avg Sentence
3.0 months
Median Sentence
2.8 years
Avg Probation
$3,278
Avg Fine
19.6%
Prison Rate
59.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,644 3.0 months
State Prison Facility 545 2.4 years

Counsel Analysis

1,117
Public Defender
71.5% guilty · 0.1% dismissed
44
Private Attorney
52.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
37
Self or Unrepresented
67.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
21
Conflict Counsel
85.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
50.0% 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 1,974 75.7% 0.3%
Black 713 82.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.8%
Under 21
20.2%
21-29
31.5%
30-39
26.4%
40-49
11.1%
50-59
7.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 841 75.4% 0.4% 9.4 months
2024 944 79.1% 0.2% 9.9 months
2025 1,000 76.2% 0.0% 8.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 1,435
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,325
Felony Second Degree 15
Felony First Degree 10

Related Charges in Putnam County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 2,201 63.8% 0.2%
Battery 934 63.2% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 788 79.9% 0.4%
Other 641 70.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 638 84.8% 0.2%
Trespassing 337 90.5% 0.3%
Fraud 265 68.7% 0.4%
Criminal Mischief 260 77.7% 0.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Putnam County?
The guilty rate is 76.9% based on 2,785 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Putnam County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.4% 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 Putnam County?
The average sentence is 9.4 months, with an average fine of $3,278.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
40.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Putnam 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 · 2,785 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026