If you or someone you love has been accused of carjacking in Redwood City, California, you’re facing a serious crime under California law. Carjacking allegations bring the possibility of long prison sentences, a criminal record, and lasting effects on a defendant’s rights and reputation. Law enforcement and prosecutors take these offenses extremely seriously, and you should too.
During this stressful time, having an experienced Redwood City criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference. The legal team at Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can help you fight back.
Call us today at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a consultation with a Redwood City carjacking attorney.
Why Hire Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys If You’re Arrested for Carjacking in Redwood City, CA?
When you’re facing a high-stakes felony case in Redwood City, CA, like carjacking, you need the most experienced and relentless defense team on your side. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, brings a reputation for taking on tough cases and persevering when everything is on the line.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Our attorneys have 30 years of combined experience
- CA State Bar Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
- Recognized by National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Extensive jury trial success, with more than 50 trials handled
- Over 3,000 criminal cases successfully defended
Criminal defense for carjacking charges can be complex, with serious penalties that follow a conviction. This is why it’s essential to work with an experienced California criminal defense attorney. Contact us today to schedule your case evaluation to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Overview of Carjacking in California
In California, carjacking is treated as a serious felony that can carry major consequences for your future.
Carjacking is when an individual:
- Takes a motor vehicle from another individual – either the driver or a passenger – while the vehicle is in their immediate presence
- Does so against the victim’s will
- Uses force or fear to accomplish the act
- Intends to deprive the person of the vehicle, even if that deprivation is only temporary
Even minimal movement of the vehicle qualifies as a carjacking. The law does not require that the car be driven away. Taking only the car keys by force may also qualify as carjacking in certain circumstances.
What Are the Penalties for a Carjacking Conviction in Redwood City, California?
Carjacking in California is a serious felony and carries significant penalties. Sentences for a single count include 3, 5, or 9 years served in state prison. It is also considered a “strike” under California’s Three Strikes Law, affecting future sentencing for any repeat offenses.
Additional time can be added on top of the base sentence if aggravating circumstances apply:
- One extra year can be added if you were armed with a firearm during the carjacking, even if you never displayed or used the weapon.
- An additional 3 years apply if the weapon is classified as an assault weapon, a machine gun, or a .50 BMG rifle.
- You could face an additional 1 to 3 years if you were armed with any deadly weapon (such as a knife, crowbar, or anything capable of causing serious harm).
It is possible for defendants with no prior convictions to receive probation. If a defendant is sentenced to probation, the conditions are usually quite strict. These may include regular reporting, restitution payments, adherence to curfews, and limitations on where you go and whom you associate with.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested For Carjacking?
Being charged with carjacking is serious, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can defend yourself. Some common legal defenses your lawyer might raise include the following:
Victim Consented
If the alleged victim willingly handed over the keys or allowed you to take the vehicle, your attorney can argue that no crime took place. True carjacking requires that the be against the person’s will.
Vehicle Was Not Taken From the Victim’s Immediate Presence
California carjacking law requires the vehicle to be taken from the immediate presence or nearby direct control of the victim. If the vehicle was parked out of sight or across a considerable distance, this element may be missing. This would still be car theft, but the elements for carjacking may not be present.
Defendant Owned the Vehicle
If you had ownership rights to the car, then the prosecutor cannot claim you unlawfully took someone else’s property. Your lawyer can provide the title or loan documents to show you had a right to the vehicle.
No Force or Fear Was Used
Carjacking charges depend on the use of physical force or the threat of fear. If the taking occurred without intimidation, threat, or harm, your conduct may not rise to the level of carjacking.
Our Redwood City carjacking lawyers can assist you in navigating the complexities of this charge and exploring all available defense options. We look for any gaps in the prosecution’s case and present the most persuasive arguments to fight your case and raise a reasonable doubt.
Schedule a Case Evaluation With Our Redwood City Carjacking Attorneys Today
When you’re charged with carjacking in Redwood City, help is available. Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, can challenge the evidence, question witness credibility, negotiate reduced charges, or even obtain a dismissal or acquittal in some circumstances.
Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Contact our experienced Redwood City carjacking lawyers for a confidential case evaluation today and learn more about your legal rights and options to protect your future.