McKinney, Texas Carjacking Defense Lawyers

Carjacking Lawyer Protecting Defendants in McKinney, TX

In Texas, violent crimes are taken seriously, and people may face harsh penalties when they are accused of using violence or threats to take property from others. Some criminal cases may involve accusations of carjacking in which a person has allegedly used force to steal a motor vehicle from its owner. The penalties that may apply in these cases can be harsh, and people could face lengthy prison sentences, massive fines, and other issues that may affect their lives.

Several different statutes may apply in cases involving accusations of carjacking. A person who has been charged with this type of offense will need to understand what steps they can take to defend against a conviction. The lawyers at Texas Defense Firm can provide effective legal representation in these situations. We can review the evidence in a case, the specific accusations and criminal charges, and other factors as we take steps to build an effective defense.

When a Person May Be Accused of Carjacking

When a person has been accused of taking someone else's vehicle without authorization, the charges they may face will depend on the specific facts of the case. Taking an unoccupied vehicle from a parking lot or driveway without confronting anyone is generally treated as theft. A person who has been accused of taking a car that was left running and unoccupied could face charges of theft or unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The charges are likely to be more serious if a person is accused of taking a vehicle directly from a person, whether they are sitting inside the vehicle, standing nearby, or in the process of getting in or out. A person who allegedly used force, displayed a weapon, or made threats when taking a vehicle may be accused of carjacking, and they could be charged with robbery. A direct confrontation will be more likely to elevate a case from theft to an offense that is classified as a violent crime.

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Robbery and Aggravated Robbery

When a person is accused of theft by intentionally injuring someone, threatening to inflict an injury, or acting in a way that caused someone to fear that they would be injured, they may be charged with robbery. When a vehicle has allegedly been taken from a person through force or intimidation, robbery charges may apply. Robbery is usually charged as a second-degree felony.

A carjacking offense may be elevated to aggravated robbery if a person is accused of causing the alleged victim to suffer a serious injury or using a deadly weapon like a gun or knife. Aggravated robbery is a first-degree felony. Carjacking cases may lead to aggravated robbery charges if a person was allegedly carrying a weapon or if they allegedly used force in a way that caused an injury, such as by striking a person on the head and knocking them out while stealing a vehicle.

Theft, Burglary of a Vehicle, and Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

When a vehicle has allegedly been taken without directly confronting the owner or driver, the charges a person may face may be less serious than robbery. These cases may involve charges of theft, and the specific penalties a person may face may depend on the value of the vehicle. Theft may be charged as a state jail felony for a vehicle with a lower value, or more serious felony charges may apply for higher-value vehicles.

In some cases, a person could be charged with burglary of a vehicle based on accusations that they broke into a vehicle with the intent to commit theft. This offense may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor, although felony charges may apply if a person has previous convictions for burglary. A person could also be charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle if they are accused of taking or operating a vehicle without the owner's consent. This offense is a state jail felony.

Why the Specific Charges Matter in Carjacking Cases

The difference between robbery and other charges that may be related to carjacking can be significant. Robbery is considered to be a violent crime that may involve the use of force, the infliction of injuries, or threats that caused people to suffer fear and emotional distress. Because of the ways victims may be affected by these crimes, the penalties for a conviction are likely to be more severe. A person who is convicted could be sentenced to years or decades in prison.

Charges of theft, burglary of a vehicle, or unauthorized use of a vehicle are likely to be less serious, since they may not involve direct confrontations or violence. The facts of a case may be unclear or disputed, and multiple options for defense may be available. In some cases, it may be possible to reduce robbery charges involving carjacking to less serious offenses, which may limit the penalties that a person will face. In others, it may be possible to have charges dismissed or to secure an acquittal.

Defense Strategies in Carjacking Cases

Our attorneys can provide guidance on the options for defense when a person has been accused of carjacking. We may take steps to show that there is no evidence that a person made a threat or used force. We may argue that a person was charged with an offense based on a mistaken identity and that there is no way to conclusively prove that they committed an offense.

We may also address the facts involved in a case and defend against accusations that could increase the severity of the charges a person may face. We can determine whether an object a person was carrying meets the legal definition of a deadly weapon, whether the harm that was allegedly suffered by a victim may be considered a serious bodily injury, or other issues that may determine whether an offense may be charged as robbery or aggravated robbery. By taking steps to challenge the claims made by prosecutors, we can work to minimize the charges against a person and defend against serious penalties.

Contact Our McKinney, TX Carjacking Defense Lawyers

Because of the severe penalties that may apply for carjacking-related charges, a strong defense is crucial. At Texas Defense Firm, our lawyers can provide effective representation to help clients resolve these cases successfully. Contact our McKinney carjacking charges attorneys at 972-369-0577 to arrange a free consultation.