Drug Sale in Clay County, Florida

Drug sale prosecutions in Clay County result in conviction at an exceptionally high rate. Of 157 cases, 97.5 percent ended in guilty verdicts, with adjudication withheld in only 2.5 percent. This contrasts sharply with statewide patterns: Clay County has zero dismissals compared to the statewide average of 1.7 percent, and its withheld adjudication rate falls well below the state average of 8.5 percent. The county also uses diversion programs at zero percent, versus a statewide average of 0.9 percent. These outcomes suggest the State Attorney's office in Clay County's judicial circuit prioritizes drug sale convictions with minimal alternative resolutions.

Sentences reflect the conviction emphasis. The average sentence spans 1,238 days, though the median of 746 days indicates some variation in severity. Nearly 73 percent of defendants receive prison time, while 25.5 percent serve jail sentences, meaning virtually all convicted defendants face confinement. Average probation runs 771 days, and fines average about $1,009. The combination of high conviction rates, substantial prison placement, and extended supervision terms demonstrates consistent enforcement intensity for this charge in Clay County.

0.0% of Drug Sale cases in Clay County are dismissed, and 2.5% receive adjudication withheld. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.

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157
Total Cases
97.5%
Guilty Rate
2.5%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
3.4 years
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.5% (153)
Withheld
2.5% (4)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

3.4 years
Avg Sentence
2.0 years
Median Sentence
2.1 years
Avg Probation
$1,009
Avg Fine
72.6%
Prison Rate
25.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 114 4.0 years
County Jail 40 1 year, 6 months

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 115 99.1% 0.0%
Black 38 94.7% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.2%
Under 21
10.3%
21-29
42.3%
30-39
26.3%
40-49
12.2%
50-59
5.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 48 93.8% 0.0% 1 year, 10 months
2024 58 98.3% 0.0% 3.7 years
2025 51 100.0% 0.0% 4.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 138
Felony First Degree 12
Felony Third Degree 7

Related Charges in Clay County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 3,607 50.7% 1.1%
Drug Possession 1,978 70.6% 0.7%
Larceny / Theft 1,400 62.6% 0.0%
Battery 1,244 63.9% 0.7%
Other 1,230 39.3% 33.9%
Resisting Officer 733 71.5% 0.4%
DUI 552 97.3% 0.5%
Trespassing 455 76.7% 1.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Clay County?
The guilty rate is 97.5% based on 157 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Clay County?
Adjudication is withheld in 2.5% 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 Sale in Clay County?
The average sentence is 3.4 years, with an average fine of $1,009.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Clay 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 · 157 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026