Georgia Carjacking Attorney
Carjacking is the criminal act of threatening or using force in order to steal a vehicle while the driver and/or passengers are inside. The federal government passed several laws in 1992 in order to increase the punishment for certain types of violent crimes, including carjacking. Georgia considers carjacking to be a violent offense, and the offender may face felony charges for this act. Anyone who has been accused of carjacking should immediately contact a Georgia carjacking attorney in order to avoid the serious penalties that accompany a conviction.
Carjacking may include the use of a deadly weapon, such as a gun, in order to get the victims out of the vehicle. However, physical or even verbal assault used to intimidate the occupants of the vehicle could also be classified as carjacking. This may include striking, beating, or making verbal threats to the victim.
Carjacking Penalties
While the penalties for carjacking depend on the circumstances of the case, it is a felony offense, which means it is punishable by time in a state prison and large fines. If the carjacking involved a gun or deadly weapon, additional time may be added to the prison sentence. And, if the carjacker made the victim drive somewhere, he or she could also face kidnapping charges, resulting in increased penalties.
A carjacking conviction can also result in a criminal record, which may make you ineligible for certain jobs. Convicted felons are also prohibited from owning firearms or voting. Having a criminal record may make obtaining employment, loans, or housing a difficult challenge.
Carjacking Defense
Please remember that if you are accused of a crime such as carjacking, you still have rights. One right you should certainly exercise is that to obtain qualified legal counsel. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and if the prosecution cannot prove that you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you could win your case. A skilled attorney can build a solid defense against the prosecution’s case.
HTW&W can help you fight your carjacking charges. Our Georgia carjacking attorneys will thoroughly investigate the facts of your case to formulate a defense strategy that can help secure the best possible outcome.
Contact HTW&W today for experienced legal representation!
