Grand theft auto and carjacking are not the same thing, despite popular belief. Despite the fact that they both pertain to obtaining ownership of a vehicle that belongs to someone else, they differ significantly. If you're facing these allegations, continue reading to understand more about these distinctions before contacting Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a legal consultation.

What constitutes a carjacking?

Let's first examine the definition of carjacking, a crime. It entails employing coercion or terror to separate the owner of a car from that person. It must be taken against the owner's will and in front of them. The prosecution must demonstrate that the victim was the owner of the vehicle, that you removed it from their near vicinity, that you did so against their will using force or terror, and that you intended to keep the vehicle either permanently or temporarily when you did so.

Carjacking convictions can result in jail sentences ranging from three to nine years and penalties as high as $10,000. According to California's Three Strikes Law, this also constitutes a strike. If you already have a strike against you, your punishment may be doubled; if you have at least two prior strikes, your punishment may range from 25 years to life in prison.

How to define grand theft auto

The term "grand theft auto" describes stealing someone else's car. In contrast to carjacking, this kind of auto burglary doesn't necessitate that the owner of the vehicle be present when it is taken. Grand theft auto does not involve force or fear, whereas carjacking does, making it a more serious crime.

Grand theft auto is a wobbler offense, which means that depending on how serious the crime was and your prior history, you may be punished with a misdemeanor or a felony. A misdemeanor conviction might land you in jail for up to 364 days, while a felony conviction could land you in jail for up to three years. Given the stark contrast between these two punishments, it is clear why you want legal representation in a criminal case.

You don't have to deal with these charges alone

It's time you spoke with a lawyer right away if you've been accused or charged with carjacking or grand theft auto. We're here at the Law Office of Michael L. Fell to begin with a free legal consultation. Call us at (949) 585-9055to initiate the procedure. This is a worrying circumstance that may quickly lead you down a path that ends up ruining the rest of your life. Stop that from happening. Hire a competent lawyer to represent you right away.