Long Beach Carjacking Defense Lawyers

The aggressive defense attorneys at The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV have extensive knowledge of State and Federal criminal law that is used to effectively defend the rights of our clients. We have successfully defended clients who have been accused of serious violent crimes, and have been able to use our skill and defense strategies to have charges dropped or sentences reduced. If you have been arrested for carjacking in California, you are facing very serious charges, and should hire legal representation immediately. Call The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV, today to schedule a free initial consultation with Mr. Low regarding your carjacking case.

California Penal Code Section 215 (a) states that "Carjacking" is the felonious taking of a motor vehicle in the possession of another, from his or her person or immediate presence, or from the person or immediate presence of a passenger of the motor vehicle, against his or her will and with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the person in possession of the motor vehicle of his or her possession, accomplished by means of force or fear. (b) Carjacking is punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for a term of three, five, or nine years."

There are many situations in which the penalty for carjacking may be increased, and if convicted the defendant may serve a very long prison term, a life sentence, or the death penalty. If you have been arrested for carjacking, you have a lot at stake and should not try to represent yourself. The aggressive representation of an experienced carjacking defense lawyer will increase your chance at freedom.

In some cases of carjacking, there have been children in the vehicle when it was stolen, which may possibly place the defendant at risk for being charged with carjacking as well as kidnapping. California Penal Code Section 209.5. (a) states that "Any person who, during the commission of a carjacking and in order to facilitate the commission of the carjacking, kidnaps another person who is not a principal in the commission of the carjacking shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for life with the possibility of parole."

If the stolen vehicle is transported across state lines, the defendant will be charged with a Federal crime. U.S. Code Title 18 Section 2312 states that "Whoever transports in interstate or foreign commerce a motor vehicle or aircraft, knowing the same to have been stolen, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 10 years, or both."

In the event that a person dies as the result of a carjacking, the defendant will be charged with first degree murder and may face the death penalty. California Penal Code Section 190.2 (a) states that "The penalty for a defendant who is found guilty of murder in the first degree is death or imprisonment in the state prison for life without the possibility of parole if one or more of the following special circumstances has been found under Section 190.4 to be true: (17) The murder was committed while the defendant was engaged in, or was an accomplice in, the commission of, attempted commission of, or the immediate flight after committing, or attempting to commit, the following felonies: (L) Carjacking, as defined in Section 215."

Carjacking charges must be taken very seriously and with the representation of an experienced lawyer. Please contact The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV to discuss your case with a knowledgeable Long Beach violent crime defense lawyer. We will provide you with outstanding legal advice and representation.