Carjacking in California

Carjacking is the taking of somebody's vehicle out of his or her possession, through force or fear. In most cases, carjacking is a crime of opportunity and is not premeditated. Carjacking is a felony offense in the state of California, which is punishable up to nine years in state prison. If a weapon was used in the carjacking, there will be additional penalties enforced. In addition, carjacking is a violent felony offense, which will count as a "strike" on your criminal record.

In 1992, the Anti-Car Theft Act was enacted, making carjacking a federal offense. The passage of this law was a reaction to a gruesome carjacking that occurred in Maryland in the fall of 1992. Pamela Basu was carjacked by two men as her 22-month old toddler was in the car. When the two men approached the vehicle, they forced the mother out of the vehicle; however, in a struggle to grab her daughter, Pamela became caught in the seat belt outside of the car as the two men, drove off. As a result, she was dragged nearly two miles before she came untangled from the seat belt. Basu subsequently died of massive internal injuries and her toddler, who was thrown from the vehicle while still in her car seat, remained unharmed.

Carjacking Defense Attorney in Orange County

Carjacking is a serious criminal offense and if you are convicted you are facing incarceration, heavy fines and parole. Whenever you are facing felony charges, you must retain a skilled and experienced criminal defense lawyer who has a vast knowledge of the criminal justice system. At Thomas Tears, Attorney at Law, an attorney from our firm will not only fight for your rights, we will also work aggressively towards getting a reduction in the charges against you.

Contact a Santa Ana Carjacking Lawyer from our firm immediately for a free case evaluation if you have been arrested for carjacking in Orange County.