Drug Possession in Seminole County, Florida

4,082
Total Cases
68.2%
Guilty Rate
25.8%
Withheld Rate
0.1%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,082 Drug Possession cases in Seminole County (2023-2025), 68.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 25.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $716.07. 22.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 62.4% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Seminole County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
68.2% (2,784)
Withheld
25.8% (1,054)
Diversion
3.8% (157)
Dismissed
0.1% (5)
Acquitted
0.1% (6)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence
6.4 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 7 months
Avg Probation
$716.07
Avg Fine
14.1%
Prison Rate
26.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,094 4.1 months
State Prison Facility 575 3.2 years

Counsel Analysis

2,548
Public Defender
73.2% guilty · 0.2% dismissed
910
Private Attorney
52.9% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
221
Self or Unrepresented
59.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
218
Other
73.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
184
Conflict Counsel
79.3% 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 2,564 64.4% 0.0%
Black 1,503 74.7% 0.3%
Asian 10 50.0% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.1%
Under 21
25.3%
21-29
32.9%
30-39
21.6%
40-49
10.3%
50-59
5.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,720 70.8% 0.0% 1 year
2024 1,194 66.4% 0.2% 1 year, 6 months
2025 1,168 66.2% 0.3% 1 year, 6 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 2,538
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,329
Felony Second Degree 208
Misdemeanor Second Degree 5
Felony First Degree 2

Related Charges in Seminole County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 7,514 51.6% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 4,466 55.3% 0.5%
Resisting Officer 2,257 68.3% 1.1%
Other 1,899 56.1% 3.8%
Battery 1,887 49.7% 2.3%
Trespassing 1,306 80.5% 3.8%
Probation Violation 1,163 21.6% 1.5%
Sex Offense 930 76.8% 0.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Seminole County?
The guilty rate is 68.2% based on 4,082 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Seminole County?
Adjudication is withheld in 25.8% 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 Seminole County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $716.07.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
62.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 22.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Seminole 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 · 4,082 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026