Lexington Carjacking Lawyer

Carjacking refers to forcibly stealing an automobile from a motorist with violence or intimidation. In South Carolina, carjacking is considered a very serious offense. Those who have been convicted of carjacking could face a lengthy prison sentence depending on the severity of the crime. Let an attorney help you fight the charges.

If you have been charged with automobile theft, get assistance from a Lexington carjacking lawyer to learn about your legal options. They could explain the law, inform you of potential consequences and how it relates to the charges against you. A tenacious theft attorney could help protect your rights and build a strong defense to get the best possible resolution for your situation.

What Constitutes Automobile Theft?

Automobile theft could be looked at in two different ways, whether it is considered carjacking or whether it is larceny depends on the facts and circumstances of the case as well as the value of the car. It relies on whether the person who is in the vehicle was forcefully intimidated to be taken out of the car when it was taken. If no one was in the car when it was stolen, it is essentially auto theft. The value of the vehicle would dictate whether it is a petit larceny or a grand larceny offense. If someone was in the car and through force, violence or intimidation were removed from the vehicle that was taken or stolen, that would be considered a felony carjacking.

Consequences of a Carjacking Conviction in Lexington

There are various consequences an alleged offender may face if convicted of carjacking. Depending on the facts of the case, offenders could be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony offense, which both carry jail time.

Any type of conviction will build a criminal record. There are collateral consequences to having a criminal record including the inability to get a good job, housing, loans, and much more. A well-practiced Lexington carjacking lawyer could help the defendant understand the charges and consequences of a carjacking conviction and try to help them to avoid jail time.

The Role of an Attorney

The job of a Lexington carjacking attorney is to work on building a strategic defense for the defendant. The attorney will be looking not only for constitutional violations, such as involuntary statements, any illegal search, and seizure by conducting their own independent investigation. A lawyer will put all those pieces together while working through the evidence carefully and being very detailed to organize the best defense possible.

When a seasoned lawyer prepares the defendant for the case, they provide the advice needed for them to make the right decision for their situation. The attorney is there to explain legal terms to make sure the defendant fully understands the risks and the collateral consequences of a conviction, so they could make the best decision on how to proceed with their case.

Speak to a Lexington Carjacking Attorney

A person charged with a carjacking should contact a lawyer immediately. The best defense begins on day one. From the time they are arrested, they should have a lawyer who could start representing them at the bond hearing. You do not need to fight the charges alone.

If you have been charged, reach out to a Lexington carjacking lawyer today to get started on your case. Let an attorney protect your rights and help you avoid a conviction.