Drug Possession in St. Johns County, Florida

2,813
Total Cases
66.1%
Guilty Rate
21.9%
Withheld Rate
2.3%
Dismissal Rate
7.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 2,813 Drug Possession cases in St. Johns County (2023-2025), 66.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 21.9% had adjudication withheld, and 2.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.7 months, with an average fine of $1,150. 14.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 61.3% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in St. Johns County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
66.1% (1,860)
Withheld
21.9% (617)
Diversion
9.4% (264)
Dismissed
2.3% (64)
Acquitted
0.0% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.7 months
Avg Sentence
2.5 months
Median Sentence
2.3 years
Avg Probation
$1,150
Avg Fine
8.0%
Prison Rate
53.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 1,490 3.1 months
State Prison Facility 225 3.2 years

Counsel Analysis

1,724
Public Defender
72.7% guilty · 1.2% dismissed
405
Private Attorney
43.5% guilty · 0.5% dismissed
200
Conflict Counsel
86.5% guilty · 1.5% dismissed
102
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
92.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
61
Self or Unrepresented
49.2% 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 1,976 65.8% 2.6%
Black 680 70.4% 1.3%
Not Available 12 66.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

5.7%
Under 21
21.4%
21-29
34.3%
30-39
23.2%
40-49
10.8%
50-59
4.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,063 68.1% 2.4% 8.8 months
2024 924 70.7% 1.8% 7.0 months
2025 826 58.5% 2.7% 6.9 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,499
Felony Third Degree 1,259
Felony Second Degree 50
Felony First Degree 3
Misdemeanor Second Degree 2

Related Charges in St. Johns County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 7,840 36.5% 6.1%
Other 2,071 67.0% 7.3%
Larceny / Theft 2,011 59.2% 3.8%
Battery 1,643 47.2% 3.5%
DUI 1,337 92.3% 4.6%
Trespassing 1,088 82.5% 4.0%
Resisting Officer 1,015 66.6% 3.0%
Sex Offense 536 86.6% 1.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in St. Johns County?
The guilty rate is 66.1% based on 2,813 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in St. Johns County?
Adjudication is withheld in 21.9% 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 St. Johns County?
The average sentence is 7.7 months, with an average fine of $1,150.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
61.3% of defendants use a public defender, while 14.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for St. Johns 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 · 2,813 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026