FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | [email protected]
State Attorney Suzy Lopez Prosecuting Teen Gun Violence
TAMPA, FL (March 17, 2023) — State Attorney Suzy Lopez announced today that since taking office in August, prolific teen offenders in Hillsborough County have been charged as adults more often for serious gun violations. On average, the percent of gun-related juvenile cases prosecuted as adults has increased by more than 20% on State Attorney Lopez’ watch. While it would be our preference that there be no children handling guns in our community, anyone who uses a gun to commit an act of violence must face consequences to keep our community safe. These are hard decisions that we are willing to make.
To address a startling rise in teen gun violence in the Tampa Bay area, State Attorney Lopez has changed the way the agency evaluates the most serious juvenile gun violence cases by ensuring the punishment fits the crime. Prolific teen offenders are facing more serious consequences compared to the years prior. While it is never a desired consequence to send a teenager to adult court, State Attorney Lopez believes brazen and violent gun violence must be addressed swiftly no matter the age.
“I have consoled too many families who have been victims of this senseless violence. I am dedicated to ensuring we hold criminals accountable for these heinous acts. The tool I have to fight teen gun violence is prosecution, and the State Attorney’s Office will use that tool when juveniles decide to make adult decisions that continually endanger our community,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
The State Attorney’s Office works collaboratively with local law enforcement agencies to identify prolific teen offenders in an effort to share intelligence information to combat this behavior. State Attorney Lopez is also re-evaluating the agency’s existing Gun Violence Unit to strengthen it by using more relevant criteria to review cases to better address the needs of our community.
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