FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, Fla. (July 19, 2023) — A judge has sentenced Jorge Britton to four decades behind bars after the State Attorney’s Office successfully prosecuted him on charges of vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter, and DUI with serious bodily injury. The sentence will be followed by 20 years of probation.
Britton was driving his sportscar over 150 miles per hour on Interstate 4 in December 2021 after a night of drinking when he crashed into another vehicle that instantly burst into flames, killing the two people inside and injuring his two passengers. The defendant’s blood alcohol level was over the legal limit at the time of the crash.
“This lengthy prison sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who makes the reckless decision to drink and drive. This defendant will spend the better part of his life behind bars thinking about the poor choices he made that led to this senseless tragedy. Our thoughts are with the victims’ families as they continue to grieve their loved ones and seek closure,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of dedicated prosecutors and professional staff that are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is dedicated to keeping the public informed about the outcomes of major court cases to ensure transparency and accountability. We believe it is of utmost importance for the public to understand how our justice system operates in order to build trust. To learn more about the outcome of cases prosecuted in our office, you can follow us on social media:
- Twitter: @HillsboroughSAO, @SuzyLopezSA
- Instagram: @HillsboroughStateAttorney
- Facebook: @HillsboroughSAO
About the State Attorney’s Office
The State Attorney’s Office of the 13th Judicial circuit encompasses all of Hillsborough County, including the cities of Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. The office staff consists of approximately 320 dedicated public servants including 130 prosecutors, as well as investigators, victim advocates, and support staff. The office handles approximately 50,000 cases every year. To learn more about the organization or apply to become part of the team, visit www.sao13th.com.