Drug Sale in Manatee County, Florida

962
Total Cases
85.9%
Guilty Rate
8.9%
Withheld Rate
1.6%
Dismissal Rate
4.4 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 962 Drug Sale cases in Manatee County (2023-2025), 85.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.9% had adjudication withheld, and 1.6% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.4 years, with an average fine of $34,871. 6.5% of defendants retained private counsel while 38.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
85.9% (826)
Withheld
8.9% (86)
Diversion
0.8% (8)
Dismissed
1.6% (15)
Acquitted
0.1% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.4 years
Avg Sentence
3.0 years
Median Sentence
3.0 years
Avg Probation
$34,871
Avg Fine
54.3%
Prison Rate
16.9%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 522 5.6 years
County Jail 163 7.4 months

Counsel Analysis

367
Public Defender
85.6% guilty · 1.1% dismissed
63
Private Attorney
74.6% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
10
Self or Unrepresented
50.0% guilty · 30.0% 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 688 87.1% 2.0%
White 253 86.2% 0.4%

Age Distribution

8.0%
Under 21
32.8%
21-29
35.2%
30-39
14.3%
40-49
6.7%
50-59
2.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 440 89.1% 0.5% 4.4 years
2024 281 89.3% 2.5% 4.7 years
2025 241 75.9% 2.5% 4.2 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 663
Felony Third Degree 213
Felony First Degree 84
Misdemeanor First Degree 2

Related Charges in Manatee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 14,788 44.5% 2.5%
Drug Possession 5,094 65.7% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 2,751 58.6% 3.5%
Battery 1,908 57.1% 4.4%
Other 1,811 48.3% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 1,585 71.0% 3.7%
Trespassing 1,194 72.9% 7.6%
Fraud 1,003 68.3% 1.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Manatee County?
The guilty rate is 85.9% based on 962 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Manatee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.9% 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 Manatee County?
The average sentence is 4.4 years, with an average fine of $34,871.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
38.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 6.5% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Manatee 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 · 962 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026