TAMPA — This month marked the first time “Trenton’s Law” was enforced across Florida.

Named for an 18-year-old killed in a DUI crash in 2023, the law increases penalties for repeat offenders convicted of vehicular or vessel homicide, and makes it a crime to refuse a breathalyzer if you’re suspected of DUI.  

What You Need To Know

The law, named for Trenton Stewart, was approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis in June, before being signed into law on Oct. 1. 

“Trenton’s Law” requires any repeat offenders to be charged with a first-degree felony, with a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. 

 All DUI suspects will now have to submit to a breathalyzer, thanks to this new law. 

Refusing a breathalyzer would result in an additional misdemeanor charge
Florida’s ‘Trenton’s Law’ bring together DUI/BUI manslaughter penalties

It’s been a while since Arleen Rzechula looked through photos of her son, Jason. It’s been four years since he was killed by a drunk driver. 

“Lots of big smiles,” said Rzechula. “This is Jason. He was always a funny kid.”

Jason Rzechula was riding in the back of a Toyota Camry when he was hit by a sports car driving 154 mph, according to prosecutors. He and the driver of the Camry died.

The two-seater sports car was actually carrying three people — the driver, and two passengers. Both passengers, one sitting on the other’s lap, were both injured. The driver, identified as Jorge Britton, sustained minor injuries. 

Bodycam video, provided by the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office, shows the intense police response, trying to rescue the two sports car passengers while driver Britton has trouble staying still, as instructed by the officers. 

The Camry, with Jason Rzechula riding in the back, was engulfed in flames, as seen by police bodycam. 

“At first I couldn’t even believe it. Then it was just — like I was robbed, my only sibling,” said Beth Green-Smith, Jason’s sister. 

Britton, who was driving 154 miles per hour at impact, was later charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and DUI serious bodily injury.

“I’ve got a zero-tolerance policy. I say, if you drink, don’t drive,” said Attorney Mustafa Ameen.

Ameen knows how serious DUI cases can be. It’s his main focus in the courtroom and, more recently, the classroom at Cooley Law School. 

Oct. 1 marked the first day law enforcement could apply “Trenton’s Law,” requiring all suspects to provide a breathalyzer. If suspects refuse, they’ll receive an additional misdemeanor charge. The new law also provides stiffer penalties for repeat offenders.

“These laws are good; it’s a deterrence effect. It’s going to get in the news, and people are going to hear even if I refuse the first time, it’s going to be a criminal offense. The hope is that the number of DUIs would be reduced,” Ameen said. 

“I think it’s great, but not enough,” said Jason’s mother, Arleen.

“Trenton’s Law” wouldn’t have applied in Jason’s case, but his family is taking comfort in knowing the law now exists and that much of Britton’s life will be spent behind bars.

A year and a half after the crash, the first-time offender was sentenced to 40 years in prison. But no punishment or legislation will bring Jason back.

“I think drunk drivers — first time, second time, whatever. There should never be a second time,” said Rzechula. 

Britton could be released from prison as early as September 2059.