Drug Possession in Taylor County, Florida

Drug possession in Taylor County results in conviction at unusually high rates. Nearly 94 percent of cases end in guilty verdicts, compared to a statewide withheld adjudication rate of 17.4 percent—a meaningful alternative that Taylor County uses in only 5.4 percent of cases. Dismissals are rare here at 0.4 percent, nearly three times lower than the statewide average of 1.5 percent. This pattern suggests Taylor County's State Attorney aggressively pursues drug possession charges with limited tolerance for case reduction or alternative outcomes.

Sentences reflect this enforcement approach. While median jail time is modest at 58 days, mean sentences average 251 days, indicating some cases draw substantially longer terms. Nearly 46 percent of defendants face incarceration—10.4 percent in prison and 35.4 percent in jail. Probation averages over two and a half years. Public defenders handle 43.5 percent of cases, with very few defendants retaining private counsel at 1.5 percent. Pre-trial diversion, available statewide in 5.3 percent of drug possession cases, appears in fewer than 1 percent of Taylor County cases.

0.4% of Drug Possession cases in Taylor County are dismissed, and 5.4% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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260
Total Cases
93.5%
Guilty Rate
5.4%
Withheld Rate
0.4%
Dismissal Rate
8.4 months
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
93.5% (243)
Withheld
5.4% (14)
Diversion
0.4% (1)
Dismissed
0.4% (1)
Acquitted
0.4% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.4 months
Avg Sentence
1.9 months
Median Sentence
2.5 years
Avg Probation
$422
Avg Fine
10.4%
Prison Rate
35.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 92 2.3 months
State Prison Facility 27 2.4 years

Counsel Analysis

113
Public Defender
94.7% guilty · 0.9% 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 222 93.2% 0.5%
Black 37 94.6% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.1%
Under 21
16.9%
21-29
39.2%
30-39
20.4%
40-49
16.2%
50-59
4.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 84 97.6% 0.0% 11.5 months
2024 83 91.6% 1.2% 10.7 months
2025 93 91.4% 0.0% 3.1 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Misdemeanor First Degree 147
Felony Third Degree 88
Felony Second Degree 25

Related Charges in Taylor County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 374 81.8% 8.6%
Larceny / Theft 248 87.9% 0.0%
Battery 187 81.3% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 148 90.5% 0.7%
Burglary 82 91.5% 1.2%
Traffic Offense 81 100.0% 0.0%
Trespassing 63 92.1% 0.0%
Criminal Mischief 59 86.4% 1.7%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Taylor County?
The guilty rate is 93.5% based on 260 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Taylor County?
Adjudication is withheld in 5.4% 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 Taylor County?
The average sentence is 8.4 months, with an average fine of $422.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
43.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 1.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Taylor 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 · 260 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026