Drug Sale in Pinellas County, Florida

287
Total Cases
74.6%
Guilty Rate
20.9%
Withheld Rate
1.7%
Dismissal Rate
2.5 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 287 Drug Sale cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 74.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 20.9% had adjudication withheld, and 1.7% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 2.5 years, with an average fine of $138.19. 2.1% of defendants retained private counsel while 3.5% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
74.6% (214)
Withheld
20.9% (60)
Diversion
2.8% (8)
Dismissed
1.7% (5)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

2.5 years
Avg Sentence
2.4 years
Median Sentence
2.9 years
Avg Probation
$138.19
Avg Fine
43.2%
Prison Rate
23.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 124 3.6 years
County Jail 68 5.9 months

Counsel Analysis

268
Self or Unrepresented
73.5% guilty · 1.9% dismissed
10
Public Defender
80.0% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
6
Private Attorney
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
Black 145 87.6% 0.0%
White 118 63.6% 4.2%

Age Distribution

10.1%
Under 21
48.4%
21-29
21.6%
30-39
13.6%
40-49
5.6%
50-59
0.7%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 126 65.9% 2.4% 2.5 years
2024 95 78.9% 2.1% 2.3 years
2025 66 84.8% 0.0% 2.9 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Third Degree 246
Felony First Degree 23
Felony Second Degree 10
Misdemeanor First Degree 8

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 21,661 74.6% 1.4%
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
Traffic Offense 18,743 72.7% 1.6%
DUI 7,725 97.6% 0.8%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 74.6% based on 287 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 20.9% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 2.5 years, with an average fine of $138.19.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
3.5% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.1% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 287 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026