Drug Sale in Desoto County, Florida

92
Total Cases
90.2%
Guilty Rate
9.8%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
5.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 92 Drug Sale cases in Desoto County (2023-2025), 90.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 9.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 5.2 years, with an average fine of $2,439. 8.7% of defendants retained private counsel while 64.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
90.2% (83)
Withheld
9.8% (9)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

5.2 years
Avg Sentence
3.5 years
Median Sentence
2.4 years
Avg Probation
$2,439
Avg Fine
70.7%
Prison Rate
4.3%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 65 5.5 years
County Jail 4 8.3 months

Counsel Analysis

59
Public Defender
93.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
8
Private Attorney
62.5% guilty · 0.0% 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 48 91.7% 0.0%
White 37 91.9% 0.0%

Age Distribution

1.1%
Under 21
21.7%
21-29
33.7%
30-39
16.3%
40-49
19.6%
50-59
7.6%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 34 94.1% 0.0% 7.2 years
2024 28 85.7% 0.0% 4.3 years
2025 30 90.0% 0.0% 3.7 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 56
Felony First Degree 31
Felony Third Degree 5

Related Charges in Desoto County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 1,726 44.0% 3.0%
Drug Possession 1,490 73.7% 0.7%
Other 353 73.7% 1.1%
Larceny / Theft 350 85.4% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 295 77.6% 1.7%
Sex Offense 270 74.8% 0.0%
Battery 212 75.5% 0.5%
Trespassing 164 77.4% 1.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Desoto County?
The guilty rate is 90.2% based on 92 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Desoto County?
Adjudication is withheld in 9.8% 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 Desoto County?
The average sentence is 5.2 years, with an average fine of $2,439.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
64.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 8.7% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Desoto 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 · 92 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026