Carjacking Attorneys in Worcester
Serving Worcester, Middlesex and Hampden Counties
Carjacking occurs when someone steals a vehicle using force or intimidation, and Massachusetts treats it as a serious felony offense. A carjacking defense attorney at Rudolf, Griffis, Ruggieri & Murray has defended numerous carjacking cases and understands how to challenge the evidence prosecutors rely on.
What Counts As Carjacking
Massachusetts defines carjacking as forcibly, violently, or through intimidation seizing control of a motor vehicle from its rightful owner or operator. The mere presence of a dangerous weapon can support a carjacking charge even without intent to use it, and the charge applies whether or not the attempt to take the vehicle actually succeeded.
Penalties
- Base penalty: Up to 15 years in state prison, or up to 2.5 years in a house of correction.
- If a firearm was involved: An additional mandatory term of at least 15 years, potentially up to life.
The exact classification and sentencing depend on factors like the presence of a deadly weapon, whether physical harm occurred, and the defendant’s prior record.