Carjacking in Florida
Carjacking is the act of stealing a person’s car by taking it with the use of force or intimidation, with the intent to take the car temporarily or permanently. Because of the high value of vehicles and the violent manner in which they are often taken, carjacking a vehicle is a serious crime that carries severe penalties if convicted. If you have been charged with carjacking, it is important to consult with a West Palm Beach criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible to begin preparing for court.
Florida Law and Carjacking
In the state of Florida, carjacking is classified as a first-degree felony. This is nearly the most severe level of crime that a person can be charged with, behind only a life felony or capital felony. The penalties for a first-degree felony conviction include:
- A minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison
- Up to $10,000 in fines
If a firearm or other deadly weapon was used during the carjacking, then the law states that the term of imprisonment may be extended to life in prison. Additionally, a carjacking conviction qualifies as one strike under Florida’s Three Strikes Law, which may lead to an elevated prison sentence even if a weapon was not used during the carjacking.
Preparing Your Defense
If you have been charged with carjacking, you face severe penalties that could limit your personal freedoms and tarnish your personal and professional reputation. You may be punished with a prison sentence of 30 years or longer, which could hurt your family emotionally and financially.
To begin preparing your defense for court, it is important to consult with a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Your criminal lawyer will fight to protect your legal rights and will gather evidence to defend your case.
Contact Us
For sound legal advice and assistance with your carjacking charges and criminal defense, contact the West Palm Beach criminal attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.
