Nevada Carjacking Explained

car-jackingCarjacking is a serious offense that can be brought under a number of state and federal laws. Unlike many other states, Nevada does not have a specific carjacking law; instead, you may be charged with grand larceny, grand larceny auto, robbery, and even assault and battery or attempted murder depending on the facts of your case.

If you are arrested for carjacking in Las Vegas, Nevada, contact a defense lawyer as soon as possible because significant rights are at stake. Many of the possible charges are felonies that will impact your life in the future.

What is carjacking?

Carjacking appears often appears on TV and in the movies as when a person violently steals a car that is occupied by a driver and other riders. This is how carjacking is commonly understood, but there is no legal definition for carjacking in Nevada.

In the 2013 case of Holmes v. State, the Nevada Supreme Court determined that “jacking” means the same as “robbery.” The Nevada crime of robbery [link] is one potential charge in the theft of an occupied vehicle.

Nevada law also states a specific crime for grand larceny of a motor vehicle, which is a separate offense from grand larceny.

Nevada crime of Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle

Grand Larceny of a Motor Vehicle is a Category C felony, and so it is safe to assume that any theft of an occupied vehicle in Nevada is going to be a felony charge.

Top Rated Criminal Lawyer

Nick Wooldridge has a long track record of representing clients accused of serious federal and state crimes in Nevada.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION NOW!

Learn more about the penalties for grand larceny of a motor vehicle.

Carjacking Charge under Federal Law

While Nevada law does not have a specific “carjacking” crime, federal law does. It is called the Anti-Car Theft Act. If a person takes a motor vehicle from another person, by force or threat of force, and with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm, he or she may be arrested for carjacking under federal law.

Carjacking penalties under federal law

A conviction under the Anti-Car Theft Act includes punishment of up to 15 years in a federal prison (or more if death or serious bodily injury occur) and fines.

More Information about Carjacking

Experienced Las Vegas criminal lawyers, such as Nicholas Wooldridge, can represent you if you are arrested for robbery, grand larceny of a motor vehicle, or other crimes that might be carjacking when they are looked at together.

What Our Client are saying

When I initially met with Mr. Wooldridge, he took the opportunity to sit and go over my problem with me. He described details in my case which he found disturbing and explained why he I should have him on my side.

5
Contact Now
Las Vegas Criminal Lawyer: Wooldridge Law - LV Criminal Defense
Average rating:  
 0 reviews