Drug Sale in Sarasota County, Florida

399
Total Cases
90.2%
Guilty Rate
8.0%
Withheld Rate
0.3%
Dismissal Rate
4.1 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 399 Drug Sale cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 90.2% resulted in a guilty finding, 8.0% had adjudication withheld, and 0.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 4.1 years, with an average fine of $27,719. 0.8% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
90.2% (360)
Withheld
8.0% (32)
Diversion
0.3% (1)
Dismissed
0.3% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.1 years
Avg Sentence
3.0 years
Median Sentence
2.2 years
Avg Probation
$27,719
Avg Fine
52.1%
Prison Rate
21.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 208 5.5 years
County Jail 87 8.7 months

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 234 92.7% 0.4%
White 163 86.5% 0.0%

Age Distribution

4.8%
Under 21
24.3%
21-29
41.1%
30-39
15.3%
40-49
6.8%
50-59
7.8%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 144 91.7% 0.0% 3.1 years
2024 135 90.4% 0.7% 5.6 years
2025 120 88.3% 0.0% 3.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony Second Degree 245
Felony Third Degree 86
Felony First Degree 66
Felony Life 1
Misdemeanor First Degree 1

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 11,831 40.4% 2.2%
Drug Possession 7,590 72.3% 1.9%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
DUI 2,300 96.5% 1.0%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Sale in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 90.2% based on 399 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Sale in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 8.0% 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 4.1 years, with an average fine of $27,719.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.8% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 399 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026