Drug Possession in St. Lucie County, Florida

4,553
Total Cases
73.5%
Guilty Rate
11.5%
Withheld Rate
7.8%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,553 Drug Possession cases in St. Lucie County (2023-2025), 73.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 11.5% had adjudication withheld, and 7.8% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $688.66. 16.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 28.9% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in St. Lucie County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
73.5% (3,346)
Withheld
11.5% (525)
Diversion
3.2% (146)
Dismissed
7.8% (356)
Acquitted
0.3% (15)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 4 months
Avg Sentence
8.1 months
Median Sentence
1 year, 8 months
Avg Probation
$688.66
Avg Fine
22.6%
Prison Rate
49.1%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 2,236 5.3 months
State Prison Facility 1,031 3.2 years

Counsel Analysis

1,314
Public Defender
70.7% guilty · 8.3% dismissed
737
Private Attorney
61.6% guilty · 5.3% dismissed
88
Conflict Counsel
85.2% guilty · 5.7% dismissed
67
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
80.6% guilty · 7.5% 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
Black 2,133 80.3% 5.5%
White 1,856 70.9% 10.0%
Not Available 29 37.9% 10.3%
Asian 29 82.8% 3.4%

Age Distribution

7.6%
Under 21
26.3%
21-29
32.8%
30-39
18.9%
40-49
9.9%
50-59
4.5%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,532 78.5% 5.7% 1 year, 3 months
2024 1,569 73.9% 8.1% 1 year, 4 months
2025 1,452 67.7% 9.7% 1 year, 5 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 2,586
Misdemeanor First Degree 1,761
Felony Second Degree 204
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1
NULL NULL 1

Related Charges in St. Lucie County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 2,435 83.4% 0.4%
Battery 1,919 59.7% 8.3%
Larceny / Theft 1,859 79.2% 2.0%
Other 1,570 74.3% 8.0%
DUI 1,559 98.5% 0.4%
Resisting Officer 1,213 81.7% 4.7%
Fraud 992 65.6% 4.0%
Trespassing 686 76.2% 9.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in St. Lucie County?
The guilty rate is 73.5% based on 4,553 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in St. Lucie County?
Adjudication is withheld in 11.5% 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. Lucie County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 4 months, with an average fine of $688.66.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
28.9% of defendants use a public defender, while 16.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for St. Lucie 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 · 4,553 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026