FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Erin Maloney, Communications Director
Office of the State Attorney, 13th Judicial Circuit
(813) 557-3366 | Erin.Maloney@sao13th.com
TAMPA, FL (June 24, 2024) — State Attorney Suzy Lopez is expanding and restructuring the agency’s Gun Violence Unit (GVU) to better prosecute gun-related offenses and our community’s most violent offenders. The agency has expanded the number of attorneys dedicated to this highly-specialized team that exclusively prosecutes cases involving gun violence.
This expansion allows our prosecutors to work more collaboratively with law enforcement to address serial trigger pullers who victimize our community. This restructuring will bring the Gun Violence Unit to a total of five attorneys including a Chief, Deputy Chief, and three Lead Trial Attorneys who will exclusively handle gun-related crimes.
“As prosecutors, our greatest responsibilities are to the victims of crimes and protecting public safety. We must use every tool we can to fight gun violence in our community. By expanding the Gun Violence Unit, my office will dedicate significant resources towards prosecuting these brutal crimes that tear families apart and terrorize our neighborhoods. Working hand-in-hand with law enforcement from the crime scene to the courtroom, assigning specialized, highly-trained prosecutors, and standing with victims gives us the best chance of holding gun violence offenders accountable,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez.
Prosecutors in our office’s GVU respond to gun-related non-fatal incidents with law enforcement moments after the trigger pull to gain a better understanding of cases at the earliest possible stage. GVU prosecutors provide guidance and support for law enforcement partners on scene while learning details about the investigation and forming relationships with the investigatory team. They can utilize investigative subpoenas and search warrants to assist law enforcement. This closer relationship with law enforcement allows our office to keep track of violent offenders who revictimize our community.
The State Attorney’s Office established a gun violence section nearly 15 years ago in partnership with Project Safe Neighborhoods. At that time, one attorney was assigned to the division. Today, in addition to the five attorneys who are dedicated to the GVU, one investigator and three legal aides assist in this critical work.
State Attorney Lopez leads a team of talented prosecutors and professional staff who are responsible for all criminal prosecutions in the 13th Judicial Circuit. The State Attorney’s Office is committed 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.