Automobile theft can take many forms in New Jersey including joyriding, carjacking, and any other circumstances surrounding the unlawful taking of an automobile. Auto theft without inflicting injury on another person or persons is most often considered a third or fourth-degree felony crime in New Jersey. On the other hand, carjacking is an auto theft that also includes physical violence or threats of violence upon the victim. If the offender commits a carjacking, those penalties may result in a first-degree felony charge with a maximum prison sentence of 30 years!
At The Montanari Law Group, our criminal defense attorneys have experience successfully reducing or dismissing auto theft and carjacking charges for our clients in local New Jersey towns including Paterson, Woodland Park, Wayne, Clifton, Little Falls, West Milford, and the greater Passaic County area. We understand that criminal convictions can change the lives of our clients and their families. Our defense attorneys are committed to working individually with each of our clients to best serve their needs.
Call our office today for a free and confidential consultation with a member of our criminal defense team regarding your auto theft or carjacking criminal charges.
Pursuant to New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2C:20-3 – Theft, and Section 2C:20-10: Unlawful taking of means of conveyance, auto theft is defined by one of the following actions:
As per New Jersey Revised Statutes Section 2C:15-2 – Carjacking, first-degree carjacking charges may result from an unlawful theft of an automobile which also includes:
First Degree carjacking convictions may lead to:
Second Degree auto theft convictions may lead to:
Third Degree auto theft convictions may lead to:
Fourth Degree auto theft convictions may lead to:
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2.2 – Addition fine for auto theft, offenders may owe even more money based on the value of the car if it is not recovered and is of greater value than $7,500.
As you can see, the definition of auto theft is fairly loose in New Jersey. Taking a car for temporary use without the permission of the owner or individual responsible could be a simple misunderstanding or accident. Our Paterson car theft defense lawyers understand that these cases can vary dramatically based on circumstance and the evidence being presented against you.
All auto theft and carjacking criminal charges are felonies with potential prison time. Do not leave your defense to chance when you can secure the legal services of our experienced criminal defense lawyers. We will examine the details of your case and attack the prosecution’s arguments from every available angle including evidence gathering, law enforcement conduct, witness testimony, and more.
At The Montanari Law Group, our auto theft and carjacking defense attorneys serve New Jersey communities such as Clifton, Woodland Park, Paterson, Wayne, West Milford, Little Falls, and the greater Passaic County area. We believe in treating all our clients with the empathy and respect we would hope to receive when facing such serious allegations. Allow our team of legal professionals to work with you on an individual basis to find a defensive strategy that may lead to reduced or even dismissed charges in your auto theft or carjacking case.
Contact us online or over the phone by calling our Little Falls office today at (973) 233-4396. A member of our criminal defense team will be waiting to speak with you regarding the details of your carjacking or auto theft case and what we can do to best serve your needs.