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Carjacking

Santa Barbara Carjacking Defense Lawyers

Get 40+ Years of Combined Legal Experience on Your Side

If you have been charged with carjacking in California, the penalties you face are severe. It is imperative to obtain legal representation from an experienced lawyer who can do whatever it takes it takes to get the best results possible.

At Appel & Morse, we have a thorough understanding of California criminal law to guide you through the complexities of your case. With more than three decades of collective experience, our Santa Barbara criminal defense attorneys have spent an extensive amount of time in the courtroom and at trial. Let us help you either get your charges reduced or your case dismissed entirely.

California Carjacking Penalties

According to California Penal Code section 215, carjacking is defined as the felonious taking of a motor vehicle in the possession of another, against his or her will and with the intent to either permanently or temporarily deprive the individual in possession of the motor vehicle of his or her possession, accomplished by means of force or fear. To prove that a suspect is guilty carjacking, the prosecution must prove that the defendant took a motor vehicle that was not his or her own, the motor vehicle was taken from another person’s possession and immediate presence, the vehicle was taken against that person’s will, the defendant used force or fear to take the vehicle or to prevent the person from resisting, and the defendant intended to deprive the owner of possession of the vehicle.

Carjacking is considered a felony, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of nine years and a fine of up to $10,000. In addition, carjacking is a “strike” under California’s "three strikes" law, meaning that the convicted person must serve at least 85% of his or her sentence before being eligible for parole.

Call (805) 467-6060 to Request a free criminal consultation Today

Our legal team is dedicated to treating you with the care and respect that you deserve while we aggressively pursue the most favorable outcome of your case. As former prosecutors, our Santa Barbara criminal defense lawyers can anticipate how the prosecution will approach your case, giving you an advantage in the courtroom.

Contact us to discuss your legal options immediately.

Work With Our Husband & Wife Duo

At Appel & Morse, we work to ensure our clients understand what is happening with their cases and how to best defend their interests. Our mission is to obtain the best results based on a true understanding of each client's unique circumstances.