Juvenile Carjacking

Carjacking is the crime of stealing an automobile while it is occupied by using threats and/or force against the occupant. Under Florida law, carjacking is classified as a first degree felony, one of the most severe charges that a defendant can face. A juvenile who is involved in carjacking with a deadly weapon, or who has a prior record, may be at risk of being tried as an adult. If the minor is tried as an adult and convicted, he or she may be punished with a lengthy prison sentence that could last for years without the chance of parole.

Florida’s Standing on Juvenile Carjacking

In most criminal cases involving a minor under the age of 18, the child is tried as a juvenile before a judge. Carjacking, however, is considered a particularly serious offense, and juveniles as young as 13 have been tried as adults in Florida courts. According to a study by Florida State University, 77 individuals are serving life sentences in prison without parole in Florida for crimes committed as juveniles, all for non-homicide offenses such as carjacking, burglary, and battery. Florida is the only state to sentence juveniles to life without parole for a carjacking offense.

Understanding Your Legal Options

Juvenile carjacking is prosecuted aggressively and penalized heavily in the state of Florida. A single offense, even with no past criminal record, has landed juveniles in jail for life. It is therefore crucial to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to assist you with your carjacking case.

Whether you are a juvenile facing charges or the parent of a juvenile defendant, we understand how terrifying a criminal charge can be for you and your family. At Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A., our West Palm Beach criminal lawyers are committed to fighting on your behalf to protect your rights and defend your case in the courtroom.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love is facing juvenile carjacking charges, don’t enter the courtroom feeling unprepared to defend your case. For sound legal advice and assistance regarding your juvenile criminal charges, contact the West Palm Beach juvenile defense attorneys of Eric N. Klein & Associates, P.A. today at 561-353-2800.