Drug Trafficking in Polk County, Florida

384
Total Cases
94.5%
Guilty Rate
0.3%
Withheld Rate
0.0%
Dismissal Rate
8.0 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 384 Drug Trafficking cases in Polk County (2023-2025), 94.5% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.3% had adjudication withheld, and 0.0% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 8.0 years, with an average fine of $82,507. 28.4% of defendants retained private counsel while 16.7% used a public defender.

Facing Drug Trafficking charges in Polk County?

Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
94.5% (363)
Withheld
0.3% (1)
Diversion
0.0% (0)
Dismissed
0.0% (0)
Acquitted
3.9% (15)

Sentencing Breakdown

8.0 years
Avg Sentence
7.0 years
Median Sentence
5.7 years
Avg Probation
$82,507
Avg Fine
91.1%
Prison Rate
0.8%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 350 8.1 years
County Jail 3 6.7 months

Counsel Analysis

109
Private Attorney
95.4% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
106
Self or Unrepresented
94.3% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
64
Public Defender
92.2% guilty · 0.0% dismissed
28
Court Private or Assigned Counsel
92.9% 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
White 207 96.1% 0.0%
Black 175 92.6% 0.0%

Age Distribution

1.3%
Under 21
20.6%
21-29
32.3%
30-39
26.8%
40-49
14.6%
50-59
4.4%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 76 92.1% 0.0% 5.5 years
2024 124 95.2% 0.0% 8.0 years
2025 184 95.1% 0.0% 9.0 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 322
Felony Second Degree 45
Felony Life 15
Felony Third Degree 2

Related Charges in Polk County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 24,337 49.3% 0.2%
Drug Possession 17,533 79.4% 0.2%
Other 8,162 43.2% 4.2%
Larceny / Theft 7,849 67.0% 0.6%
Resisting Officer 6,824 77.3% 1.3%
Battery 5,519 61.5% 2.4%
Trespassing 4,467 80.6% 3.7%
DUI 2,665 97.8% 0.8%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Polk County?
The guilty rate is 94.5% based on 384 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Polk County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.3% 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 Polk County?
The average sentence is 8.0 years, with an average fine of $82,507.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
16.7% of defendants use a public defender, while 28.4% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Polk 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 · 384 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026