Drug Trafficking in Manatee County, Florida

224
Total Cases
90.6%
Guilty Rate
0.9%
Withheld Rate
2.7%
Dismissal Rate
9.2 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 224 Drug Trafficking cases in Manatee County (2023-2025), 90.6% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.9% had adjudication withheld, and 2.7% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 9.2 years, with an average fine of $137,500. 4.9% of defendants retained private counsel while 34.8% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
90.6% (203)
Withheld
0.9% (2)
Diversion
0.9% (2)
Dismissed
2.7% (6)
Acquitted
3.6% (8)

Sentencing Breakdown

9.2 years
Avg Sentence
7.0 years
Median Sentence
4.0 years
Avg Probation
$137,500
Avg Fine
87.9%
Prison Rate
0.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 197 9.2 years
County Jail 1 6.1 months

Counsel Analysis

78
Public Defender
92.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
11
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 127 87.4% 4.7%
White 86 96.5% 0.0%

Age Distribution

3.1%
Under 21
29.0%
21-29
41.1%
30-39
20.5%
40-49
5.4%
50-59
0.9%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 84 97.6% 0.0% 8.8 years
2024 67 92.5% 1.5% 7.4 years
2025 73 80.8% 6.8% 11.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 198
Felony Second Degree 21
Felony First Degree punishable by life 4
Felony Life 1

Related Charges in Manatee County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 14,788 44.5% 2.5%
Drug Possession 5,094 65.7% 1.0%
Larceny / Theft 2,751 58.6% 3.5%
Battery 1,908 57.1% 4.4%
Other 1,811 48.3% 2.9%
Resisting Officer 1,585 71.0% 3.7%
Trespassing 1,194 72.9% 7.6%
Fraud 1,003 68.3% 1.1%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Manatee County?
The guilty rate is 90.6% based on 224 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Manatee County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.9% 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 Trafficking in Manatee County?
The average sentence is 9.2 years, with an average fine of $137,500.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
34.8% of defendants use a public defender, while 4.9% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Manatee 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 · 224 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026