Carjacking in Florida Carries Harsh Penalties

Carjacking can be defined as the use of violence, force or threat to take a motor vehicle from another individual with the intention of depriving that person or owner of the vehicle. Penalties for this crime are increased if the perpetrator uses a weapon or firearm during the commission of the theft. 

Penalties

Carjacking is considered a first degree felony offense and is punishable by up to thirty years in prison per Florida state laws. If you are convicted of carjacking, the judge is under obligation to impose a minimum sentence of 21 months in prison and can also sentence you to any of the following in combinations at his discretion:

• Up to thirty years of probation
• Up to $ 10,000 in fines
• Up to 30 years in prison

If a weapon was used during the crime then the penalties become much harsher and you could be sentenced to life in prison. In this case, a judge would be obligated to impose a minimum prison sentence of 48 months. Additional and even harsher sentences can be levied if a firearm was used (minimum 10 year prison sentence) and a minimum 20 year sentence if the firearm was discharged.

If you have been charged with a theft crime such as carjacking in the West Palm Beach area, it is imperative you contact a West Palm Beach criminal defense attorney to defend your freedom. There are two main defenses used for carjacking those being: false accusation and misidentification. At the Law Offices of Robert Franklin, we are experienced criminal defense lawyers including theft crimes and can help you build a defense strategy so as to avoid a conviction. We are dedicated to do what it takes to secure the best possible outcome for your case. 

Contact a West Palm Beach Theft Crime Lawyer in our office to set up a free consultation.