Virginia Carjacking Lawyer

As defined by Virginia law, carjacking is the intentional seizure of a motor vehicle of somebody else with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive them of the vehicle. This offense commonly includes using violence or the threat of violence to achieve that goal.

Somebody who is facing a carjacking charge should consider hiring a well-versed theft attorney because carjacking is very heavily prosecuted. Speaking with a Virginia carjacking lawyer could contribute to your overall desired outcome for your case.

Examples of Carjacking Scenarios

Examples of carjacking scenarios in Virginia include the simple one where somebody comes up to someone else’s vehicle, removes that person from the vehicle, and takes that person’s vehicle.

An unusual scenario could be if somebody is a passenger in a vehicle and they take control of the car. Maybe the person is having a fight with somebody else that they are in a car with and they take control of the vehicle.

They wrestle the steering wheel out of the driver’s hand and they control the vehicle. Even if the car is in someone’s possession temporarily, they could be charged with carjacking.

What are the Elements of the Crime?

The elements of carjacking include the intentional seizing control of a vehicle, having the intention to deprive the owner of it and to use violence in order to do so.

Penalties Associated with Carjacking Crimes

Carjacking is considered a very serious charge in Virginia. The individual can face up to life in prison if they are convicted. The minimum penalty is 15 years of jail time. Therefore, the consequences are life-altering for a conviction outside of the usual felony collateral consequences of losing the person’s rights. This includes the accused’s right to vote, and their ability to carry or own a gun in Virginia.

How Can An Attorney Help Defend Someone Accused of Carjacking?

Carjacking is a very serious charge and it is often hard to defend. Having an attorney who can help the accused can be critical because they need somebody who knows the law, how to collect evidence, and how to negotiate with prosecutors.

A Virginia carjacking lawyer could advise the individual of what steps they need to take to help their case and they are going to speak on the person’s behalf. They can guide the person through the process before fighting on the person’s behalf in court.

Speaking with Legal Counsel

Somebody charged with carjacking in Virginia needs to hire a Virginia carjacking lawyer because it is a serious charge. It could potentially be life in prison and that is not something that a person can face without the experience of an attorney.

A person needs an attorney to protect them, to keep them out of prison or jail, and to make sure that the person is not stuck for the rest of their life behind bars for something that they did not do. Because the penalties are so serious, that person needs an attorney.