Drug Sale in Hillsborough County, Florida

1,216
Total Cases
81.7%
Guilty Rate
12.7%
Withheld Rate
1.6%
Dismissal Rate
2.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 1,216 Drug Sale cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 81.7% resulted in a guilty finding, 12.7% had adjudication withheld, and 1.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.4 years, with an average fine of $1,133. 68.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 32.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
81.7% (994)
Withheld
12.7% (154)
Diversion
0.3% (4)
Dismissed
1.6% (20)
Acquitted
0.1% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.4 years
Avg Sentence
1 year
Median Sentence
2.8 years
Avg Probation
$1,133
Avg Fine
40.7%
Prison Rate
29.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 495 3.7 years
County Jail 358 7.9 months

Counsel Analysis

827
Private Attorney
80.4% guilty · 1.7% dismissed
389
Public Defender
84.6% guilty · 1.5% 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 846 84.0% 2.0%
White 356 78.1% 0.8%

Age Distribution

4.2%
Under 21
27.2%
21-29
33.1%
30-39
20.8%
40-49
9.7%
50-59
5.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 379 80.5% 1.3% 2.5 years
2024 408 78.2% 2.9% 2.3 years
2025 429 86.2% 0.7% 2.4 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 796
Felony Third Degree 214
Felony First Degree 206

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Drug Possession 17,469 71.8% 1.9%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 81.7% based on 1,216 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 12.7% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 2.4 years, with an average fine of $1,133.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
32.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 68.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 1,216 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026