Drug Sale in Polk County, Florida

102
Total Cases
89.2%
Guilty Rate
6.9%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
4.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 102 Drug Sale cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 89.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 6.9% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.2 years, with an average fine of $388.83. 28.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 15.7% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Sale charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
89.2% (91)
Withheld
6.9% (7)
Diversion
3.9% (4)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.2 years
Avg Sentence
2.3 years
Median Sentence
2.8 years
Avg Probation
$388.83
Avg Fine
61.8%
Prison Rate
22.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 63 5.6 years
County Jail 23 4.3 months

Counsel Analysis

29
Private Attorney
89.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
27
Self or Unrepresented
74.1% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
16
Public Defender
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 57 89.5% 0.0%
White 42 88.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.9%
Under 21
21.6%
21-29
33.3%
30-39
28.4%
40-49
11.8%
50-59
2.0%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 35 94.3% 0.0% 3.2 years
2024 29 82.8% 0.0% 3.3 years
2025 38 89.5% 0.0% 6.2 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 53
Felony Third Degree 41
Felony First Degree 7
Misdemeanor First Degree 1

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 89.2% based on 102 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 6.9% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 4.2 years, with an average fine of $388.83.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
15.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 28.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 102 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026