Drug Trafficking in Gulf County, Florida

Drug trafficking convictions in Gulf County result in guilty verdicts in 92% of cases, a rate substantially higher than the statewide average and reflecting aggressive prosecution in this small county. The dismissal rate of 8.3% exceeds the statewide average by nearly six percentage points, suggesting Gulf County prosecutors either decline weaker cases at higher rates than typical or that some charges do not survive pretrial scrutiny. No cases received withheld adjudication or diversion—outcomes available statewide but unused here—indicating the local State Attorney treats trafficking as a charge warranting conviction outcomes rather than alternative resolution paths.

Sentencing severity underscores the seriousness with which Gulf County handles trafficking. Nearly 92% of defendants received prison time, with an average sentence of nearly four years and a median of three years. Fines averaged $75,000. Two-thirds of defendants used public defenders, while fewer than one in ten retained private counsel, reflecting the financial burden of trafficking charges and the population demographics of Gulf County's accused defendants.

8.3% of Drug Trafficking cases in Gulf County are dismissed — higher than Florida's statewide average of 2.2%. An attorney who works in Gulf County can tell you if your case fits the dismissal pattern.

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12
Total Cases
91.7%
Guilty Rate
0.0%
Withheld Rate
8.3%
Dismissal Rate
4.0 years
Avg Sentence

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
91.7% (11)
Withheld
0.0% (0)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
8.3% (1)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

4.0 years
Avg Sentence
3.0 years
Median Sentence
$75,000
Avg Fine
91.7%
Prison Rate
0.0%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 11 4.0 years

Counsel Analysis

8
Public Defender
87.5% guilty · 12.5% 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
White 10 90.0% 10.0%

Age Distribution

25.0%
Under 21
0.0%
21-29
41.7%
30-39
25.0%
40-49
0.0%
50-59
8.3%
60+

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 12

Related Charges in Gulf County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Other 505 83.8% 11.1%
Traffic Offense 404 94.1% 0.2%
Drug Possession 300 86.3% 0.3%
Battery 135 83.7% 0.0%
Resisting Officer 85 84.7% 1.2%
Larceny / Theft 75 82.7% 0.0%
Sex Offense 54 79.6% 0.0%
Disorderly Conduct 46 91.3% 0.0%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Gulf County?
The guilty rate is 91.7% based on 12 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Gulf County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.0% 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 Trafficking in Gulf County?
The average sentence is 4.0 years, with an average fine of $75,000.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
66.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 8.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Gulf 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 · 12 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026