Drug Trafficking in Pinellas County, Florida

799
Total Cases
97.1%
Guilty Rate
0.8%
Withheld Rate
1.0%
Dismissal Rate
8.3 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 799 Drug Trafficking cases in Pinellas County (2023-2025), 97.1% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.8% had adjudication withheld, and 1.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 8.3 years, with an average fine of $96,188. 2.6% of defendants retained private counsel while 4.1% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Trafficking charges in Pinellas County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
97.1% (776)
Withheld
0.8% (6)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
1.0% (8)
Acquitted
0.3% (2)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.3 years
Avg Sentence
7.0 years
Median Sentence
5.0 years
Avg Probation
$96,188
Avg Fine
82.6%
Prison Rate
4.4%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 660 8.7 years
County Jail 35 7.8 months

Counsel Analysis

720
Self or Unrepresented
98.5% guilty · 0.7% dismissed
33
Public Defender
81.8% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
21
Private Attorney
85.7% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
18
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
83.3% guilty · 16.7% dismissed
7
Conflict Counsel
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 398 96.7% 0.5%
White 362 97.2% 1.7%

Age Distribution

4.8%
Under 21
29.3%
21-29
39.7%
30-39
19.6%
40-49
5.4%
50-59
1.3%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 228 97.4% 0.9% 7.6 years
2024 265 96.2% 0.4% 8.3 years
2025 306 97.7% 1.6% 8.8 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 756
Felony Life 23
Felony Second Degree 13
Felony Third Degree 4
Felony First Degree punishable by life 3

Related Charges in Pinellas County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Drug Possession 21,661 74.6% 1.4%
Other 20,743 13.9% 0.4%
Traffic Offense 18,743 72.7% 1.6%
DUI 7,725 97.6% 0.8%
Trespassing 7,608 87.5% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,002 75.4% 2.3%
Battery 5,805 56.4% 3.4%
Resisting Officer 4,980 77.8% 1.4%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Pinellas County?
The guilty rate is 97.1% based on 799 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Pinellas County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.8% 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 Pinellas County?
The average sentence is 8.3 years, with an average fine of $96,188.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
4.1% of defendants use a public defender, while 2.6% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Pinellas 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 · 799 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026