|
|
|
| |
 Carjacking |
| |
| |
Carjacking is classified as the attempted or successful removal of another person’s motor vehicle without their express permission and with the intention of temporarily or permanently depriving them of that motor vehicle. Carjacking is usually committed in the presence of the motor vehicle’s owner via use of force and/or fear. Each state in the United States (and the federal government) has carjacking laws. A carjacking that results in the death of a person is a considered a capital crime punishable under federal law.
Statistics
 The Department of Justice stated that roughly 50,000 carjacking cases take place every year in the United States. This indicates that carjacking is the source of about 2% of all motor vehicle thefts in America. Approximately one half of all carjacking attempts are actually successful. Of the successful carjacking attempts, nearly all included the threat or actual use of a weapon, usually some type of firearm (about two-thirds of the time). Gratefully, The number of victims injured in carjacking situations is much lower: less than one-fourth of actual carjacking victims are injured, and roughly 10% of attempted carjacking victims are harmed in some way.
In nearly all carjacking cases, the victim is alone at the time of the attack. Regular carjacking areas typically include parking lots, intersections, apartments, businesses and schools. A large portion of carjacking victims are men and carjacking occurs more frequently in urban locations. Oddly enough, just 30% of all carjacking cases are reported to the owner's insurance company. A number of carjacking victims state that their insurance does not cover theft, and others choose not to report the carjacking for unnamed reasons. Carjacking is not as likely to be reported to an insurance company as is theft of a motor vehicle.
Avoiding Carjacking
 Always be aware of your surroundings
Have your keys in hand when you come near your vehicle
Once inside, be sure to lock all doors and windows
Do not climb into a vehicle if the doors or windows are unexpectedly unlocked or opened;
Stay away from areas you know to be unsafe
If you are involved in an accident or an unmarked police car demands you to pull over, proceed to a safe, well-lit and populated area, when possible
Report any suspicious activity to law enforcement right away.
If you do turn out to be the victim of carjacking, it is imperative to remember that your safety—and your life—is more important than your vehicle. Usually, the smartest course of action is to give up your vehicle rather than to deal with the carjacker. After a carjacking, it is crucial to inform law enforcement without delay. An investigation can start in order to locate the offender and arrest him/her for the carjacking.
Carjacking is punishable as a felony in the state of California and the penalty is normally three to ten years in a state prison, a hefty monetary fine, and other punishments. Juveniles who perpetrate a carjacking are typically tried in an adult court rather than a juvenile court, often resulting in much stricter punishments due to the severity of the crime.
Do not allow a carjacking to ruin your life, especially with California’s strict Three-Strikes Law. Contact a skilled and professional attorney at the Law Offices of Rizio and Nelson right away to discuss your options and begin to mount a suitable defense. The initial consultation is free, and we are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
| |
Attorneys on Call 24/7: 951-271-7904 |
|
