Fredericksburg Carjacking Lawyer

A carjacking is essentially a robbery that involves a vehicle which is taken by force, threat or intimidation. Carjacking is different from auto theft as it involves some form of violence. Due to this, carjacking is prosecuted more harshly, and the penalties are more severe. If you are facing carjacking charges, it is extremely important that you hire a distinguished theft attorney. A Fredericksburg carjacking lawyer could help mitigate your case. Call today to learn more about your legal options.

What Are the Elements Carjacking?

In order to be able to prove a carjacking offense, a prosecutor must be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant took a vehicle from another person, with the intent to either keep it permanently or temporarily. They must also be able to prove that they seized the vehicle using a form of force, threat or intimidation.

Violence and Carjacking

As Fredericksburg carjacking lawyers know, there are several different ways that an individual could threaten, force, or intimidate another whilst taking their car. However, below are some of the common ways:

• Partial strangulation or suffocation
• Physical assault
• Putting a person in fear of serious bodily harm,
• The threat of firearms

A prosecutor would have to prove that an individual used one of these specific means seize the car from another person.

Penalties for Carjacking

Carjacking is a felony offense which can carry 15 years to life in jail. If an individual has a previous criminal conviction, their penalties could be even more severe. If an individual is concerned about a previous criminal conviction or charge, they should speak to a Fredericksburg carjacking lawyer immediately. A conviction for carjacking would cause an individual to lose their right to vote, to possess a firearm, and could severely impact an individual’s ability to fully re-enter society if they are let out. Individuals with criminal records often have difficulties being eligible for housing, jobs, and educational opportunities.

There are options for alternative sentencing in carjacking cases. A carjacking lawyer could help an individual obtain probation instead of incarceration. However, this is not easily obtained and is something that needs to be fought for at the very beginning of a case. This is why it is crucial for an individual facing carjacking charges to contact a lawyer as soon as they can.

Evidence Use to Defend a Carjacking Case:

In order to defend a carjacking case, a Fredericksburg carjacking lawyer would need to collect evidence. This would include the following:

• Audio or visual evidence
• Plaintiff testimony
• Witness accounts
• Physical items such as weapons
• Phone records

These are the types of items that could enable a lawyer to determine if there are any discrepancies and ultimately weaknesses in the prosecution’s allegations.

Speaking to a Fredericksburg Carjacking Attorney

If you have been accused of violently taking another individuals car, it is important for you to contact an attorney immediately. A devoted lawyer could examine the charges that been brought against you, analyze evidence, and determine an appropriate way to navigate the nuances of your case. You deserve to have your freedom protected. Contact a Fredericksburg carjacking lawyer today.