Marijuana Offense in Suffolk County
1,158 cases · Suffolk County Courts · DCJS Data
Marijuana offenses in Suffolk County are dismissed at a substantially higher rate than the statewide average, with 68.2% of cases ending in dismissal compared to 52.6% statewide—a 15.6 percentage point difference. This elevated dismissal rate suggests Suffolk County prosecutors or courts handle marijuana cases more leniently than peers across the state. Conviction rates stand at 31.7%, with virtually no acquittals. The trend data shows dismissals declining over the 2019-2021 period, dropping from 70.8% to 64.7%, indicating a slight shift toward more cases proceeding past initial review stages.
Most defendants charged with marijuana offenses in Suffolk County secure pretrial release without bail: nearly 80% are released on their own recognizance. When bail is set, the median amount is $750. About one-third of cases see charges reduced, with roughly equal splits between reductions to Aggravated Unlicensed Operation (46.3%) and Disorderly Conduct (45.3%), suggesting prosecutors often reshape cases rather than pursue the original marijuana charge to trial. Defendants convicted face predominantly financial penalties, with fines imposed in 75.2% of cases; incarceration outcomes are minimal, affecting fewer than 4% of convicted defendants.
Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and cases dismissed in the interest of justice. Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Avg duration measures arraignment to final disposition. Data sourced from New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Last updated: March 2026
Case Outcomes
Source: 1,158 public court records, Suffolk County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Outcomes by Charge Class
How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Marijuana Offense in Suffolk County.
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| B Misdemeanor | 928 | 72.3% | 27.7% |
| A Misdemeanor | 129 | 67.5% | 32.5% |
| D Felony | 48 | 27.3% | 70.5% |
| E Felony | 42 | 42.1% | 57.9% |
| C Felony | 11 | 27.3% | 72.7% |
Charge class reflects the severity classification at arrest (e.g., A Felony is the most serious, B Misdemeanor the least). Outcomes vary by class due to differing prosecutorial priorities, plea bargaining patterns, and case complexity. Source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Year-Over-Year Trends
How Marijuana Offense outcomes in Suffolk County have changed over time.
| Year | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 755 | 70.8% | 29.1% |
| 2020 | 86 | 59.0% | 41.0% |
| 2021 | 22 | 64.7% | 35.3% |
Year reflects arrest year from DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Case volumes may vary as more recent cases may still be pending disposition.
Pretrial Release
How defendants charged with Marijuana Offense in Suffolk County are handled at arraignment.
Pretrial release data reflects arraignment outcomes under New York's bail reform laws. ROR = Released on Own Recognizance. Bail Set = cash bail or bond required. Remanded = held without bail.
Charge Reductions
in Suffolk County are reduced
Sentencing When Convicted
Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Marijuana Offense convictions in Suffolk County.
32.5% of Marijuana Offense cases in Suffolk County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.
Ask a Suffolk County attorney — freeOutcomes by Demographics
Case outcome rates by race for Marijuana Offense in Suffolk County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.
| Race | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 469 | 67.1% | 32.9% |
| Hispanic | 359 | 69.3% | 30.7% |
| White | 300 | 67.5% | 32.1% |
| Other | 16 | 81.2% | 18.8% |
Disparities in case outcomes reflect well-documented systemic factors including policing patterns, socioeconomic inequality, and structural bias in the criminal justice system. These statistics should not be used to draw conclusions about any individual or group. Data sourced from DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your case.
Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. 1,158 cases analyzed for Marijuana Offense in Suffolk County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
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