Drug Sale in Hernando County, Florida

279
Total Cases
91.0%
Guilty Rate
3.9%
Withheld Rate
0.4%
Dismissal Rate
4.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 279 Drug Sale cases in Hernando County (2023-2025), 91.0% resulted in a guilty finding, 3.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.4% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.2 years, with an average fine of $1,702. 2.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.6% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Sale charges in Hernando County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
91.0% (254)
Withheld
3.9% (11)
Diversion
1.4% (4)
Dismissed
0.4% (1)
Acquitted
0.7% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.2 years
Avg Sentence
4.0 years
Median Sentence
3.4 years
Avg Probation
$1,702
Avg Fine
74.2%
Prison Rate
5.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 207 4.5 years
County Jail 16 7.9 months

Counsel Analysis

91
Public Defender
94.5% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
55
Other
85.5% guilty · 1.8% dismissed
8
Private Attorney
100.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
5
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
100.0% 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
White 225 91.6% 0.4%
Black 52 90.4% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.9%
Under 21
21.5%
21-29
26.9%
30-39
22.6%
40-49
13.3%
50-59
11.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 84 90.5% 0.0% 3.8 years
2024 100 84.0% 1.0% 4.2 years
2025 95 98.9% 0.0% 4.6 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 201
Felony Third Degree 74
Felony First Degree 4

Related Charges in Hernando County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 3,268 67.9% 2.8%
Larceny / Theft 2,833 48.5% 0.5%
Traffic Offense 2,485 73.5% 0.2%
Battery 1,342 56.3% 1.2%
Other 1,270 64.7% 5.1%
Resisting Officer 796 75.1% 0.4%
Trespassing 694 87.9% 0.4%
DUI 660 98.3% 0.2%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Hernando County?
The guilty rate is 91.0% based on 279 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Hernando County?
Adjudication is withheld in 3.9% 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 Sale in Hernando County?
The average sentence is 4.2 years, with an average fine of $1,702.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.6% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hernando 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 · 279 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026