Carjacking Attorney in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
This theft crime occurs when the defendant uses force, threats, or intimidation to remove an occupant or owner of a vehicle or hold the victim's hostage in order to take the motor vehicle.
Carjacking occurs when a vehicle is seized in a violent manner by removing the occupant from the vehicle or holding that person hostage by the use of force, threats, and intimidation. It is considered to be a type of robbery, with the car as a stolen possession. In Florida, carjacking is a first-degree felony, with a penalty of 15 years up to 30 years in prison, and up to $10,000 in fines. If a gun or other deadly weapon is used during the carjacking, then the sentence can be lengthened to life in prison. Being convicted of carjacking counts as one strike under Florida’s Three Strikes Law. Under these guidelines, a harsher sentence may be imposed, even if no weapon was used.
Hire a skilled legal team to protect your best interests.
Florida prosecutors are very determined to convict carjackers and want to see them receive long sentences. Hiring a Fort Lauderdale criminal defense attorney from DiRenzo Defense would be in your best interest. As former Broward State Attorneys, the firm has represented thousands of clients and is an experienced advocate for those who have been charged with violent crimes.
Carjacking and Juveniles
The state of Florida penalizes juvenile carjacking offenders more heavily than offenders from any other state. A recent study by Florida State University found that there are now 77 offenders in Florida who are serving life in prison without parole for non-homicide offenses such as carjacking and burglary. In the Florida court system, it is not uncommon for juveniles to be tried as adults for these kinds of crimes, even as young as age 13. Florida is the only state in the U.S. to sentence a juvenile to life in prison without the possibility of parole for a single carjacking crime.
Because Florida prosecutors are extremely zealous when it comes to juvenile offenders, it is crucial that they are defended aggressively by a criminal attorney who is familiar with the Fort Lauderdale court system. Our firm will pursue a vigorous defense on behalf of juveniles and on behalf of individuals of any age who have been accused of the crime of carjacking. Contact a Fort Lauderdale carjacking attorney to protect your rights and your freedom.