Hillsborough State Attorney Suzy Lopez is expanding and restructuring the agency’s Gun Violence Unit to better prosecute gun-related offenses and the most violent offenders.
The agency has expanded the number of attorneys dedicated to this highly-specialized Central Florida team that exclusively prosecutes cases involving gun violence.
This expansion allows local prosecutors to work more collaboratively with law enforcement to address serial trigger pullers who victimize the community. According to the State Attorney, this restructuring will bring the Gun Violence Unit (GVU) 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,” said State Attorney Suzy Lopez. “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.”
Prosecutors in the Hillsborough Gun Violence Unit 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 the State Attorney’s office to keep track of violent offenders who revictimize the 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.
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.
