Drug Possession in Sumter County, Florida

4,083
Total Cases
62.9%
Guilty Rate
29.9%
Withheld Rate
0.1%
Dismissal Rate
1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 4,083 Drug Possession cases in Sumter County (2023-2025), 62.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 29.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $596.94. 4.2% of defendants retained private counsel while 29.4% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Possession charges in Sumter County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
62.9% (2,568)
Withheld
29.9% (1,222)
Diversion
6.9% (280)
Dismissed
0.1% (3)
Acquitted
0.0% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

1 year, 7 months
Avg Sentence
6.7 months
Median Sentence
2.0 years
Avg Probation
$596.94
Avg Fine
11.6%
Prison Rate
23.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 967 5.3 months
State Prison Facility 473 4.0 years

Counsel Analysis

1,199
Public Defender
69.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
458
Self or Unrepresented
8.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
170
Private Attorney
38.8% guilty · 1.2% 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 2,728 67.0% 0.0%
Black 986 61.0% 0.2%
Asian 17 35.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

6.9%
Under 21
25.0%
21-29
33.8%
30-39
19.2%
40-49
10.7%
50-59
4.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 1,703 62.8% 0.0% 1 year, 10 months
2024 1,277 64.2% 0.0% 1 year, 4 months
2025 1,103 61.6% 0.3% 1 year, 7 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 2,638
Felony Third Degree 1,233
Felony Second Degree 200
Felony First Degree 11
Misdemeanor Second Degree 1

Related Charges in Sumter County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,081 67.0% 0.0%
Battery 1,047 64.5% 0.6%
Other 978 78.3% 1.3%
Larceny / Theft 945 76.3% 0.1%
Resisting Officer 543 84.7% 0.0%
DUI 510 99.0% 0.2%
Fraud 327 72.5% 0.0%
Drug Sale 255 94.9% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Sumter County?
The guilty rate is 62.9% based on 4,083 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Sumter County?
Adjudication is withheld in 29.9% 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 Sumter County?
The average sentence is 1 year, 7 months, with an average fine of $596.94.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
29.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.2% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sumter 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 · 4,083 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026