Drug Possession in Walton County, Florida

1,336
Total Cases
72.1%
Guilty Rate
18.9%
Withheld Rate
5.9%
Dismissal Rate
11.7 months
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,336 Drug Possession cases in Walton County (2023-2025), 72.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 18.9% had adjudication withheld, and 5.9% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 11.7 months, with an average fine of $511.91. 4.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 50.7% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
72.1% (963)
Withheld
18.9% (253)
Diversion
2.9% (39)
Dismissed
5.9% (79)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

11.7 months
Avg Sentence
6.1 months
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$511.91
Avg Fine
7.9%
Prison Rate
34.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
County Jail 464 6.3 months
State Prison Facility 105 2.9 years

Counsel Analysis

677
Public Defender
74.2% guilty · 5.6% dismissed
55
Private Attorney
47.3% guilty · 9.1% dismissed
22
Self or Unrepresented
31.8% guilty · 9.1% 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 1,115 73.3% 5.5%
Black 141 71.6% 7.1%

Age Distribution

5.6%
Under 21
19.9%
21-29
33.5%
30-39
25.4%
40-49
12.6%
50-59
2.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 430 73.0% 6.7% 1 year
2024 464 70.9% 6.0% 11.0 months
2025 442 72.4% 5.0% 10.8 months

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 698
Misdemeanor First Degree 600
Felony Second Degree 21
Misdemeanor Second Degree 13
Felony First Degree 4

Related Charges in Walton County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,123 47.4% 2.0%
Other 2,407 47.7% 20.8%
DUI 620 95.6% 3.4%
Larceny / Theft 555 69.5% 4.1%
Battery 524 52.7% 7.4%
Resisting Officer 400 61.5% 7.5%
Sex Offense 230 70.0% 15.7%
Burglary 225 71.1% 14.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Possession in Walton County?
The guilty rate is 72.1% based on 1,336 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Possession in Walton County?
Adjudication is withheld in 18.9% 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 Walton County?
The average sentence is 11.7 months, with an average fine of $511.91.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
50.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Walton 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 · 1,336 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026