Upper Marlboro Carjacking Lawyer

When you face carjacking charges, you must treat them seriously. Your life could be significantly affected by the outcome of this legal case. You will not be able to defend criminal carjacking charges without help. The penalties can be severe, resulting in lengthy prison terms. Your best chance of avoiding the consequences of a conviction is to work with a knowledgeable and experienced Upper Marlboro carjacking lawyer.

A well-informed theft attorney could review the prosecution’s evidence and meet with you to develop the most successful strategic defense plan.

What is Carjacking?

According to Maryland Code, Criminal Law, § 3-405, a carjacking occurs when a person tries to steal or take unauthorized control or possession of a car or truck by using violence, force, or threat of violence or force. The alleged carjacker does not need to hit or otherwise physically attack the car’s owner. A defendant could still face criminal charges when they do not touch the car’s owner, but the owner felt a reasonable fear of a threat of violence or force. If the perpetrator uses or displays a dangerous weapon during the carjacking, they could face elevated charges of armed carjacking. Even if the alleged offender only intended to borrow the car temporarily, they could still face charges.

A carjacking conviction, in particular, carries a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years; and if the carjacker is convicted of other crimes committed while stealing the car—such as felony assault and battery charges—they could face additional jail time. It is critical to fight carjacking charges as soon as possible with an aggressive Upper Marlboro attorney who could fight tirelessly for a defendant’s rights.

Possible Defenses to Carjacking Charges

A trusted lawyer in Upper Marlboro is familiar with the laws and knows the best legal strategies for defending carjacking charges.

Misidentification

There is sometimes no physical evidence linking a carjacker to the crime, which means many carjacking cases come down to the believability of the identification. The police do not usually arrest people on carjacking charges when they are in the vehicles they allegedly carjacked. Instead, most carjacking suspects face charges after the person in the car or a witness identifies them. The identification can occur through personal recognition if the victim or a bystander is familiar with the alleged thief. Fighting an identification can be more difficult when a victim personally knows the defendant. However, we could argue the victim had the motive to lie. Most cases of carjackings are with unfamiliar parties, in which the victim or witnesses identify the alleged carjacker through photographs or a criminal lineup.

A seasoned legal representative could cast doubt on the strength of the identification. We could also help a defendant fight the charges by presenting an alibi, showing the defendant was not there.

No One Was in the Vehicle

If no one was in the car during the alleged vehicle theft, there is no crime of carjacking. A defendant could face lesser criminal charges for stealing the car but not carjacking charges.

Consent

We could argue that the car’s owner gave the defendant consent to borrow the car.

No Force or Fear

If the defendant took the car without force or instilling fear in anyone else, it is not carjacking. We could review the facts and evidence to develop the most appropriate strategy.

Call an Upper Marlboro Carjacking Attorney

Carjacking is a serious criminal felony. You could face extensive time in jail. In addition, you could encounter social and professional repercussions of a conviction. You need to fight back as soon as possible. Call an Upper Marlboro carjacking lawyer to begin developing the best defense. We could help you set your life straight.

Defense Attorney Serving Maryland for 8 Years

Vernon Brownlee is an Upper Marlboro attorney dedicated to representing you fairly. As a lifelong resident of Prince George's County, he's a defense lawyer who understands the area and loves its community.

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Upper Marlboro Office

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9701 Apollo Dr Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

301-502-4441 Schedule an Appointment

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Vernon Brownlee is more than just an attorney. His passion to help, his attentiveness and attention to detail are exceptional. I spoke with several attorneys prior to hiring Vernon and let me tell you the second I spoke to him, I knew I made the right choice. Vernon, from the bottom of my heart, thank you for all you’ve done for me and my family.

- Tony P.

I have been a lawyer for over 20 years (now a homicide prosector). Vernon Brownlee is the lawyer that I trust, and he is the lawyer I refer all of my friends and family to when they have legal matters. Being a prosecutor, I know many lawyers that I can turn to for help. However, Vernon Brownlee is the lawyer for me and my family. He is very knowledgeable and takes the time to explain all aspects of the law to his clients. I have known Vernon Brownlee for years and recommend him highly.

- William P.

Vernon successfully assisted me in resolving both a first-degree and a second-degree assault case. His calm and collected demeanor instilled a sense of tranquility in me, knowing that my case was in capable hands. I valued Vernon’s receptiveness to my thoughts and his willingness to consider my input.

I wholeheartedly endorse Vernon and his law office to anyone seeking legal representation.

- Sidra M.

Throughout the process, Mr. Brownlee was incredibly professional, always keeping me informed and explaining complex legal terms in a way I could understand. His attention to detail and commitment to uncovering every possible angle of defense was truly impressive.

The culmination of Mr. Brownlee’s hard work came when he successfully got my case dismissed. This outcome was beyond my expectations and has allowed me to move forward with my life. If you need a knowledgeable, compassionate, and tenacious attorney, I highly recommend Vernon Brownlee. He is a true advocate for his clients and a master of his craft.

- Norrie S.

Five stars is still not enough!
I am extremely appreciative of Mr. Vernon Brownlee and his exceptional legal counsel provided to me during my legal proceeding in regards to a traffic citation… He answered any questions that I had (I had a lot!) and explained it multiple times until I understood. He was always responsive, attentive, knowledgeable, patient, and, most importantly, professional. He was so good that I often thought I was his only client!

- Sherreka J.

Carjacking Defense FAQs

One significant difference between a carjacking and auto theft charge is if a person is in the car when the car is stolen. According to Maryland Code, Criminal Law, § 3-405, a carjacking occurs when a person tries to steal or take unauthorized control or possession of a vehicle using force, violence, or a threat of violence or force. On the other hand, auto theft is acquiring a car with no one inside and without the owner’s permission. One example of auto theft is breaking into a locked vehicle and driving it away.

Many factors determine the length of a sentence if convicted of carjacking, such as additional felony assault, battery charges, and criminal history. It’s possible to receive the maximum sentence, which is 30 years. If you were charged with this offense, finding the best carjacking defense attorney to care for and fight for your rights is essential.

Maryland Code states that an individual may not use force or violence to take possession of a motor vehicle from another individual. Force is any use of strength against the victim to take possession of the car. The force used could be physical or a threat of force; both are illegal when defined in the Maryland Code. Have more questions regarding your carjacking case? Schedule your free consultation with Vernon Brownlee.

It’s unusual for defendants only to receive a carjacking charge. This is because the act of carjacking commonly involves using some type of force to remove the driver from the vehicle. Many defendants are also charged with battery or assault charges. In cases where the defendant has used a firearm in the carjacking, there may also be a charge for a gun crime. The best way to understand charges or potential charges for your case is by meeting with an experienced carjacking defense lawyer like Vernon Brownlee.