Drug Sale in Palm Beach County, Florida

765
Total Cases
86.1%
Guilty Rate
9.8%
Withheld Rate
0.1%
Dismissal Rate
2.3 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 765 Drug Sale cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 86.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 9.8% had adjudication withheld, and 0.1% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.3 years. 46.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 51.4% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
86.1% (659)
Withheld
9.8% (75)
Diversion
3.3% (25)
Dismissed
0.1% (1)
Acquitted
0.1% (1)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.3 years
Avg Sentence
1 year
Median Sentence
2.9 years
Avg Probation
49.7%
Prison Rate
42.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 380 4.0 years
County Jail 327 4.0 months

Counsel Analysis

393
Public Defender
89.8% guilty · 0.3% dismissed
355
Private Attorney
84.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
17
Self or Unrepresented
29.4% 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 509 90.6% 0.2%
White 256 77.3% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.7%
Under 21
25.6%
21-29
37.3%
30-39
20.4%
40-49
9.7%
50-59
4.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 335 88.4% 0.0% 2.5 years
2024 230 85.2% 0.4% 2.0 years
2025 200 83.5% 0.0% 2.3 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 509
Felony Third Degree 224
Felony First Degree 25
Misdemeanor First Degree 7

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 86.1% based on 765 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Palm Beach 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 2.3 years.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
51.4% of defendants use a public defender, while 46.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 765 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026