Drug Trafficking in Hillsborough County, Florida

994
Total Cases
84.9%
Guilty Rate
2.4%
Withheld Rate
7.0%
Dismissal Rate
6.1 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 994 Drug Trafficking cases in Hillsborough County (2023-2025), 84.9% resulted in a guilty finding, 2.4% had adjudication withheld, and 7.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.1 years, with an average fine of $86,755. 70.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 30.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
84.9% (844)
Withheld
2.4% (24)
Diversion
0.5% (5)
Dismissed
7.0% (70)
Acquitted
0.3% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.1 years
Avg Sentence
4.0 years
Median Sentence
4.2 years
Avg Probation
$86,755
Avg Fine
64.8%
Prison Rate
9.5%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 644 6.9 years
County Jail 94 9.2 months

Counsel Analysis

696
Private Attorney
84.2% guilty · 7.3% dismissed
298
Public Defender
86.6% guilty · 6.4% 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 497 83.9% 8.7%
Black 485 85.6% 5.6%

Age Distribution

2.5%
Under 21
25.6%
21-29
40.9%
30-39
19.6%
40-49
8.1%
50-59
3.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 284 87.3% 5.6% 6.5 years
2024 343 88.9% 4.7% 6.4 years
2025 367 79.3% 10.4% 5.4 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 927
Felony Life 37
Felony Third Degree 20
Felony Second Degree 10

Related Charges in Hillsborough County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 37,086 47.5% 7.8%
Drug Possession 17,469 71.8% 1.9%
Larceny / Theft 10,966 66.7% 3.3%
Sex Offense 9,729 84.7% 1.9%
Battery 8,519 50.8% 4.0%
Trespassing 8,436 80.1% 8.7%
Resisting Officer 7,753 69.9% 3.7%
Other 7,045 68.8% 6.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Hillsborough County?
The guilty rate is 84.9% based on 994 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Hillsborough County?
Adjudication is withheld in 2.4% 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 Hillsborough County?
The average sentence is 6.1 years, with an average fine of $86,755.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
30.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 70.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Hillsborough 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 · 994 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026