Riverside Violent Crimes Attorney

Carjacking

Carjacking is the crime of stealing a motor vehicle while the owner of the vehicle is present. In most carjacking cases, the owner is forced out of their car with threats of violence or coerced with a weapon. In 1992, the U.S. passed a law that made carjacking a federal crime. The 1992 law was passed due to the amount of carjacking incidents that resulted in homicide. It is very common for car owners to be pushed out of their vehicles, which can cause them to become entangled in their own seatbelts and dragged to death.

In the U.S., about one half of carjackers succeed in stealing their victim's car. Carjacking has become more popular throughout the years because of the evolution in vehicle protection technology. Car protection devices guard unattended cars, making it hard for people to break in them or steal them. Without the car's keys, most people cannot take possession of the car. Car thieves must rely on the car owner being present to obtain the car's keys.

If a person is convicted of carjacking or attempted carjacking, they may be sentenced with imprisonment, monetary fines, probation, and community service. If property was damaged, the offender may have to pay restitution. If the carjacking victim was wounded or murdered, or if the offender has a prior criminal record, the offender's sentence can be enhanced.

Hanson, Hales, Gorian & Bradford has successfully represented clients throughout Riverside who have been charged with carjacking. In some cases, we can negotiate with prosecutors to have charges or sentences reduced. While the outcome of each case depends upon the circumstances involved, we will always fight for our clients’ best interests. Contact violent crimes law firm Hanson, Hales, Gorian & Bradford!