Drug Possession in Sarasota County, Florida

7,590
Total Cases
72.3%
Guilty Rate
23.0%
Withheld Rate
1.9%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 3 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 7,590 Drug Possession cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 72.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 23.0% had adjudication withheld, and 1.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 3 months, with an average fine of $2,206. 0.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Sarasota County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
72.3% (5,486)
Withheld
23.0% (1,743)
Diversion
1.8% (134)
Dismissed
1.9% (145)
Acquitted
0.1% (6)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 3 months
Avg Sentence
6.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 10 months
Avg Probation
$2,206
Avg Fine
10.5%
Prison Rate
28.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,197 5.6 months
State Prison Facility 797 3.3 years

Counsel Analysis

45
Private Attorney
64.4% guilty · 2.2% dismissed
24
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
83.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Other
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 5,602 69.7% 2.1%
Black 1,888 81.3% 1.3%

Age Distribution

3.6%
Under 21
17.0%
21-29
33.4%
30-39
24.2%
40-49
14.9%
50-59
7.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 2,513 70.2% 3.0% 1 year
2024 2,662 71.3% 1.5% 1 year, 5 months
2025 2,415 75.6% 1.2% 1 year, 2 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 4,471
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,987
Felony Second Degree 106
Felony First Degree 25
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 11,831 40.4% 2.2%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
DUI 2,300 96.5% 1.0%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%
Trespassing 1,618 73.1% 9.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 72.3% based on 7,590 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 23.0% 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 3 months, with an average fine of $2,206.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 7,590 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026