Understanding Maryland Carjacking Charges

Law enforcement takes cases of carjacking extremely seriously because of the danger that it can bring to the community. As a result, the consequences are severe, and they could lead to long-term impacts on someone’s life. If you have been charged with carjacking, it is essential to be prepared and fully comprehend your charges. An experienced attorney could assist you in understanding Maryland carjacking charges as well as advocate for you during the legal process.

Auto Theft Versus Carjacking

The main distinction between auto theft and carjacking is whether there is a presence of force or not. When someone uses force, violence, intimidation, or threats of violence to steal a motor vehicle, they are committing a carjacking offense. On the other hand, auto theft is when someone takes another’s motor vehicle without using force to steal it. Carjacking is a more severe crime than auto theft, and it carries a higher penalty. The maximum jail sentence for auto theft is five years, while it is 15 years for a carjacking conviction.

Joyriding Versus Carjacking

Carjacking is distinct from a joyriding offense as well. Joyriding is when someone takes a motor vehicle without permission, and with the no intent to deprive the person of their vehicle permanently. During joyriding scenarios, a person is borrowing a vehicle without permission, and force or violence was not involved. When someone participates in carjacking, that person intends to take the vehicle permanently, and the use of force or violence was involved.

Penalties of Felony Carjacking

To fully comprehend Maryland carjacking charges, an individual also must understand the potential penalties that come with these charges. For felony carjacking, a person can go to prison for up to 15 years. Courts also may place the defendant on probation and may demand that they pay court costs, fines, and restitution to the victim. There also may be collateral consequences that affect a defendant’s employment status, their ability to obtain employment or housing in the future, and their eligibility to get professional licenses.

Prior Criminal Convictions

When trying to understand carjacking charges in Maryland, it is important to comprehend how prior convictions may impact newer charges. Prior criminal convictions can have an impact on a person charged with carjacking in a couple of ways. When someone arrested for carjacking goes before a judge, the judge considers the detainee’s prior criminal record when deciding whether to release them before their trial or not. The more recent a conviction, and the more serious crime for which the person was convicted, the more likely the judge may impose stricter bail conditions.

It is important to note that a judge or jury does not consider prior criminal convictions during a trial. The defendant will be tried for a specific alleged misconduct event, and any prior convictions are considered irrelevant to the issues before the court. However, if a jury finds a defendant guilty of carjacking, the judge may consider the person’s prior criminal record when deciding on a sentence.  If a person has a lengthy criminal record, recent convictions, or a prior conviction for carjacking, the judge may likely to impose a harsher sentence.

Contact an Attorney for Help Understanding Carjacking Charges in Maryland

If you have been charged with carjacking, it is important to know the penalties you are facing and how to make the best decisions for your case. A knowledgeable attorney could use their skills to help you build a defense and represent you in court. Contact an attorney for help understanding Maryland carjacking charges.