NJ Criminal Defense Lawyer for Carjacking

Carjacking involves the taking of a vehicle while in the presence of the person who owns it or a passenger without their permission or consent.  It is usually accomplished using force, violence, or threats of these and with the intent of depriving the owner of the vehicle either temporarily or permanently.  Like burglary or robbery, it is a serious theft crime offense, and can result in penalties that include steep fines, restitution to the victim, and jail or prison time, especially if the crime includes an aggravating factor, such as the use of a deadly weapon. 

Those facing carjacking charges in New Jersey may be required to serve long prison sentences in the event of a conviction.  It is crucial that any person charged with such a crime contact a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer who can examine the case against them and provide them with legal help that can better their chances of a successful resolution to their case.

NJ Carjacking Defense Attorney

Hiring a competent attorney in one's carjacking case can significantly improve one's chances of avoiding the hardships that come as a result of being convicted.  Aside from any punishment that may be served, a conviction could stay on one's criminal record indefinitely, causing them difficulties later in life such as an inability to obtain employment.  Rafael Gomez is a skilled and experienced lawyer who is well versed in all manner of criminal defense cases, including those that involve theft crimes such as carjacking.  

He provides clients with effective representation that is thorough in its execution, leaving no stone unturned in each client's case.  It is to one's benefit to contact Rafael Gomez' office today, as he will employ all legal means at his disposal to increase the likelihood of a case outcome that sees the charges against the accused reduced or dismissed completely.

2C:15-2. Carjacking defined
1. a. Carjacking defined. A person is guilty of carjacking if in the course of committing an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, as defined in R.S.39:1-1, or in an attempt to commit an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle he:

(1) inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon an occupant or person in possession or control of a motor vehicle;

(2) threatens an occupant or person in control with, or purposely or knowingly puts an occupant or person in control of the motor vehicle in fear of, immediate bodily injury;

(3) commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree; or

(4) operates or causes said vehicle to be operated with the person who was in possession or control or was an occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of the taking remaining in the vehicle.

An act shall be deemed to be "in the course of committing an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle" if it occurs during an attempt to commit the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or during an immediate flight after the attempt or commission.

b. Grading. Carjacking is a crime of the first degree and upon conviction thereof a person may, notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (1) of subsection a. of N.J.S.2C:43-6, be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 10 and 30 years. A person convicted of carjacking shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment and that term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term of at least five years during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.