Drug Trafficking in Sarasota County, Florida

172
Total Cases
95.3%
Guilty Rate
0.6%
Withheld Rate
2.3%
Dismissal Rate
7.0 years
Avg Sentence

Based on 172 Drug Trafficking cases in Sarasota County (2023-2025), 95.3% resulted in a guilty finding, 0.6% had adjudication withheld, and 2.3% were dismissed. The average sentence for convicted defendants is 7.0 years, with an average fine of $69,071. 0.0% of defendants retained private counsel while 0.0% used a public defender.

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Outcome Breakdown

Guilty
95.3% (164)
Withheld
0.6% (1)
Diversion
1.2% (2)
Dismissed
2.3% (4)
Acquitted
0.0% (0)

Sentencing Breakdown

7.0 years
Avg Sentence
4.9 years
Median Sentence
3.5 years
Avg Probation
$69,071
Avg Fine
86.6%
Prison Rate
1.7%
Jail Rate
Confinement Type Count Avg Sentence
State Prison Facility 149 7.1 years
County Jail 3 1 year, 10 months

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 113 93.8% 2.7%
Black 59 98.3% 1.7%

Age Distribution

2.3%
Under 21
15.7%
21-29
42.4%
30-39
30.8%
40-49
7.6%
50-59
1.2%
60+

Year-Over-Year Trends

Year Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate Avg Sentence
2023 57 93.0% 7.0% 5.8 years
2024 70 97.1% 0.0% 6.9 years
2025 45 95.6% 0.0% 8.5 years

Charge Level Breakdown

Level Degree Cases
Felony First Degree 159
Felony Life 5
Felony Second Degree 5
Felony Third Degree 3

Related Charges in Sarasota County

Charge Cases Guilty Rate Dismissal Rate
Traffic Offense 11,831 40.4% 2.2%
Drug Possession 7,590 72.3% 1.9%
Other 3,272 69.6% 6.6%
Larceny / Theft 3,001 61.3% 2.4%
DUI 2,300 96.5% 1.0%
Battery 2,135 56.7% 3.4%
Sex Offense 2,099 89.1% 1.5%
Resisting Officer 1,757 67.9% 2.6%

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the guilty rate for Drug Trafficking in Sarasota County?
The guilty rate is 95.3% based on 172 cases (2023-2025).
How often is adjudication withheld for Drug Trafficking in Sarasota County?
Adjudication is withheld in 0.6% 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 Sarasota County?
The average sentence is 7.0 years, with an average fine of $69,071.
What percentage use a public defender vs private attorney?
0.0% of defendants use a public defender, while 0.0% retain private counsel.

About this data: Statistics are derived from FDLE Criminal Justice Data Transparency records for Sarasota 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 · 172 cases · 2023-2025 · Data last updated March 2026