Drug Trafficking in Palm Beach County, Florida

328
Total Cases
94.8%
Guilty Rate
1.2%
Withheld Rate
1.2%
Dismissal Rate
6.5 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 328 Drug Trafficking cases in Palm Beach County (2023-2025), 94.8% resulted in a guilty finding, 1.2% had adjudication withheld, and 1.2% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 6.5 years, with an average fine of $71,926. 68.3% of defendants retained private counsel while 31.1% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
94.8% (311)
Withheld
1.2% (4)
Diversion
0.3% (1)
Dismissed
1.2% (4)
Acquitted
0.9% (3)

Sentencing Breakdown

6.5 years
Avg Sentence
5.1 years
Median Sentence
3.9 years
Avg Probation
$71,926
Avg Fine
87.5%
Prison Rate
7.6%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 287 7.1 years
County Jail 25 4.0 months

Counsel Analysis

224
Private Attorney
92.4% guilty · 1.8% dismissed
102
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 243 95.1% 1.6%
White 85 94.1% 0.0%

Age Distribution

2.1%
Under 21
31.4%
21-29
38.4%
30-39
20.7%
40-49
6.1%
50-59
1.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 98 93.9% 2.0% 5.3 years
2024 120 98.3% 0.0% 6.6 years
2025 110 91.8% 1.8% 7.6 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 271
Felony Second Degree 41
Felony Third Degree 10
Felony Life 6

Related Charges in Palm Beach County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 62,740 24.1% 1.0%
Other 15,095 12.6% 0.6%
Drug Possession 10,290 66.2% 0.9%
Larceny / Theft 9,341 63.3% 0.5%
Battery 7,373 46.0% 1.1%
Trespassing 6,180 69.2% 2.0%
Resisting Officer 5,777 61.1% 1.2%
DUI 4,973 96.2% 0.3%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Palm Beach County?
The guilty rate is 94.8% based on 328 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Palm Beach County?
Adjudication is withheld in 1.2% 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 Palm Beach County?
The average sentence is 6.5 years, with an average fine of $71,926.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
31.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 68.3% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Palm Beach 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 · 328 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026