West Palm Beach Criminal Defense Attorney Reacts to Trenton’s Law

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — In the wake of a devastating and preventable tragedy, Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. speaks out about the high stakes surrounding House Bill 687, also known as “Trenton’s Law,” which seeks to increase penalties for repeat offenders of vehicular homicide (VH) and DUI manslaughter (DUIM).

This important legislation, which takes effect on October 1, 2025, is named in memory of 18-year-old Trenton Stewart, a promising Stetson University student and recent Creekside High School graduate who lost his life on May 9, 2023. Trenton was struck by a reckless and impaired driver traveling 113 mph in a 45-mph zone, going the wrong way. Trenton’s car went airborne and struck a tree. Though he remained alert while trapped in the wreckage for over 18 minutes, he tragically passed away after fighting for his life for 83 minutes.

Even more shocking, the driver responsible for Trenton’s death had previously killed another person under nearly identical circumstances. Yet under current Florida law, a second or even third offense for vehicular homicide or DUI manslaughter is still treated as a second-degree felony, punishable by no more than 15 years in prison.

“Trenton’s Law” changes that.

Under this new law, a second or subsequent VH/DUIM offense would be classified as a first-degree felony, increasing the potential sentence to 30 years. The law also introduces sentencing enhancements and expands access to statewide diversion programs for individuals who are truly committed to ending impaired driving.

“This new law imposes accountability,” said Chapman. “When someone makes the repeated choice to drive under the influence and kills someone, the law must reflect the gravity of that choice. Consequently, the stakes are now higher than ever. Every refusal to submit to testing, every repeat offense, could bring harsher criminal consequences.”

While applauding the effort to hold repeat offenders of vehicular homicide accountable, Chapman’s firm provides strong criminal defense to clients facing DUI or vehicular homicide charges and reminds all Floridians about the urgency of legal representation, especially when new laws enable harsher penalties.

For more information about House Bill 351 or to arrange a private consultation, please contact Ronald S. Chapman, P.A. at (561) 832‑4348 or visit https://justiceflorida.com.

About Ronald S. Chapman, P.A.

Ron Chapman has 35 years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer. He represents people accused of committing a wide range of crimes in both State and Federal Court in Florida. Those crimes include DUI, battery, economic crimes such as theft and dealing in stolen property, animal abuse, traffic crimes such as reckless driving, murder, manslaughter, crimes against children, federal crimes involving guns and drugs, crimes against the elderly, appeals, and violations of probation.

If you or someone you know requires the assistance of a proven criminal defense attorney, look no further than the law firm of Ronald S. Chapman. Call him today at (561) 832-4348 or visit his website at https://www.justiceflorida.com/. His professional team is available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.