Were you charged with carjacking in Birmingham, Alabama? This is one of the more serious crimes in the state, and a conviction can result in decades behind bars. However, being charged doesn’t mean you’ll be convicted.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C., can help you fight to protect your future. Our attorneys have 100 years of combined experience representing defendants throughout the State of Alabama.
Contact our law offices today at (205) 930-9800 to speak with a Birmingham carjacking lawyer. We offer a free consultation to help you learn about your rights and options before making any decisions.
How Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight Can Help If You’ve Been Charged With Carjacking in Birmingham, AL
From the moment you’re arrested for a theft crime, the prosecution is already working to build a case against you. Hiring an experienced Birmingham theft crimes lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.
At Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, we have taken countless cases all the way to trial and won’t hesitate to do so for you if necessary.
We can help you by:
- Conducting a thorough investigation into the charges and evidence against you
- Challenging the credibility of witness identifications and testimony
- Filing motions to suppress evidence that the state obtained unlawfully
- Making sure your constitutional rights are protected at every stage
- Representing you at all court appearances and hearings
Carjacking charges carry life-altering consequences. Don’t wait to get legal help. Contact our law offices in Birmingham, AL, today to schedule a free consultation and begin building your criminal defense.
What Is Carjacking Under Alabama Law?
Alabama does not have a specific statute labeled “carjacking.” Instead, the conduct commonly described as carjacking is prosecuted under several different laws. Depending on how the incident occurred, it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony.
In many cases, carjacking-related charges fall under unauthorized use of a vehicle. Under Alabama law, a person commits this offense if they knowingly take or use a vehicle without the owner’s consent. This charge is typically a Class A misdemeanor.
However, the charge can be elevated to a felony if force or the threat of force is involved. If a person takes or exercises control over a vehicle while a driver or passenger is present using force or intimidation, the offense may be elevated to a Class B felony.
Prosecutors may also choose to pursue charges under robbery laws, particularly if violence, threats, or weapons were involved. In other situations, unlawful breaking and entering a vehicle (a Class C felony) may apply if the allegation involves entering a vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or felony.
Because these charges vary based on the facts of the case, understanding how the law applies to your situation is critical. An attorney from our firm can explain your charges and what penalties you are facing.
What Are the Penalties for a Carjacking Conviction in Birmingham, Alabama?
Because carjacking can be prosecuted as a felony in some cases, the penalties can be severe.
Potential penalties may include:
- Long-term imprisonment, particularly for felony convictions
- Substantial fines and court costs
- Probation or supervised release following incarceration
- A permanent criminal record
- Loss of certain rights, such as firearm ownership
More serious charges may involve enhanced penalties if a weapon was used or if someone was injured. Our Birmingham criminal defense attorneys can explain the possible outcomes and help you prepare for the legal process ahead.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against Carjacking Charges?
The prosecution typically must prove every element of the carjacking charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defenses that our Birmingham criminal defense attorneys often use include:
- Mistaken identity: Carjacking cases frequently rely on eyewitness identifications, which are notoriously unreliable. If there’s any question about whether you were actually the person involved, this defense can be powerful.
- Lack of force: If the prosecution can’t prove that force was used, your charge may not meet the legal definition of carjacking under Alabama law.
- Constitutional violations: If your rights were violated at some point during your interactions with law enforcement, the evidence they gathered may be inadmissible in court.
- Insufficient evidence: Sometimes, the prosecution simply doesn’t have enough evidence to prove their case and meet the burden of proof.
- Duress: If you were forced to participate in the crime under threat of serious harm, this defense could apply.
We can examine every detail of your case to determine which defenses are available. Our goal is to leave no stone unturned when our clients’ freedom is at stake.
Contact Our Birmingham Carjacking Lawyers to Schedule a Free Case Review Today
Carjacking charges in Birmingham are treated seriously by the state, and you should treat your response the same way. The sooner you get an experienced defense attorney involved with your case, the more options you’ll have to challenge the prosecution’s claims and work toward the best possible result available to you under the law.
Contact Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for a free case evaluation today. Our Birmingham carjacking attorneys are ready to listen to your story and help you protect your legal rights and your future.