Drug Possession in Santa Rosa County, Florida

3,645
Total Cases
71.8%
Guilty Rate
19.4%
Withheld Rate
0.5%
Dismissal Rate
10.9 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 3,645 Drug Possession cases in Santa Rosa County (2023-2025), 71.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 19.4% had adjudication withheld, and 0.5% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 10.9 months, with an average fine of $820.42. 4.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.9% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Santa Rosa County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
71.8% (2,617)
Withheld
19.4% (706)
Diversion
8.1% (297)
Dismissed
0.5% (18)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

10.9 months
Avg Sentence
6.0 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 9 months
Avg Probation
$820.42
Avg Fine
9.2%
Prison Rate
46.2%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,684 6.3 months
State Prison Facility 336 2.8 years

Counsel Analysis

1,200
Public Defender
75.8% guilty · 0.4% dismissed
190
Self or Unrepresented
51.6% guilty · 1.6% dismissed
169
Private Attorney
39.1% 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 3,033 73.9% 0.4%
Black 501 63.9% 0.8%
Asian 22 59.1% 0.0%
American Indian or Alaska Native 10 50.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.5%
Under 21
20.9%
21-29
30.3%
30-39
26.4%
40-49
12.4%
50-59
4.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,395 72.0% 0.4% 10.7 months
2024 1,289 71.8% 0.6% 11.1 months
2025 961 71.6% 0.4% 10.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,049
Felony Third Degree 1,571
Felony Second Degree 23
Felony First Degree 1
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Santa Rosa County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 4,733 67.7% 2.5%
Larceny / Theft 1,802 65.0% 0.3%
Other 1,238 63.4% 3.6%
Battery 1,180 58.2% 0.7%
DUI 1,142 96.0% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 890 73.5% 1.0%
Sex Offense 482 81.7% 9.1%
Trespassing 482 83.8% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Santa Rosa County?
The guilty rate is 71.8% based on 3,645 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Santa Rosa County?
Adjudication is withheld in 19.4% 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 Santa Rosa County?
The average sentence is 10.9 months, with an average fine of $820.42.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Santa Rosa 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 · 3,645 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026