Carjacking has become more and more prevalent in recent years. But how exactly is carjacking defined, what penalties can be levied and how can an experienced Palm Beach Gardens defense attorney can help if you've been charged for carjacking in Florida? The guide below details everything you need to know.

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What is Carjacking?

carjacking in Palm Beach Gardens FLCarjacking is a robbery offense that involves the theft of motor vehicles. For a case to be considered a carjacking, one must take a motor vehicle away by force with intent to deprive the other person of their vehicle. Additionally, there must be violence, assault, or fear during the carjacking.

In Florida, carjacking is defined as:

  1. The taking of a motor vehicle which may be the subject of larceny from the person or custody of another, with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person or the owner of the motor vehicle, when in the course of the taking there is the use of force, violence, assault, or putting in fear.
  2. If in the course of committing the carjacking the offender carried a firearm or other deadly weapon, then the carjacking is a felony of the first degree, punishable by imprisonment for a term of years not exceeding life imprisonment or as provided in s. 775.082, s.775.083, or s. 775.084. (b) If in the course of committing the carjacking the offender carried no firearm, deadly weapon, or other weapon, then the carjacking is a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
  3. An act shall be deemed "in the course of committing the carjacking" if it occurs in an attempt to commit carjacking or in flight after the attempt or commission. (b) An act shall be deemed "in the course of taking" if it occurs either prior to, contemporaneous with, or subsequent to the taking of the property and if it and the act of taking constitute a continuous series of acts or events.

Carjacking Penalties in Palm Beach Gardens and Throughout Florida

The punishment for a carjacking offense can vary, however, below are some of the penalties that can be levied should you be convicted:

  • 30 years in prison
  • 30 years of probation
  • $10,000+ fine

How to Find the Best Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach Gardens

Finding the right attorney for your case can be difficult. After all, not all criminal defense attorneys are created equally. Some may only take on drug charges, while others may take on abuse cases, or both. Below, our criminal defense attorney in Palm Beach Gardens explains how to the find the best attorney for your needs:

Our Palm Beach Gardens Defense Attorney Can Defend Your Carjacking Charges

As an experienced criminal defense attorney, Matthew Konecky will put together the best defense strategy based on the facts of your unique case to have your charges reduced or case dismissed.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Don’t wait until it is too late. Your freedom and livelihood are at stake. Contact us now so we can build the best defense strategy for your case. We have extensive knowledge and experience. You will receive our dedicated attention to your situation and ensure justice is served. Fill out the form above or call (561) 671-5995 now!