Carjacking and related offenses are serious crimes in Indiana that carry severe penalties. Understanding the legal landscape surrounding carjacking charges is crucial for defendants and their families. Whether you’re facing charges or seeking information to stay informed, this guide will provide valuable insights into the specifics of carjacking defense in Indiana.

Call 317-636-7514 if You Are Facing Carjacking Criminal Charges in Indianapolis

Carjacking vs. Grand Theft Auto vs. Car Theft

Carjacking, grand theft auto, and related offenses involve the unlawful taking of a vehicle, often through force or intimidation. These crimes not only leave victims in distress but also carry harsh legal consequences. Understanding the nuances between these offenses is essential for comprehending the charges one might face and the potential defenses available.

Carjacking: Carjacking is the act of stealing a vehicle directly from its owner through the use of force, intimidation, or threats. Unlike simple car theft, carjacking involves a personal and violent confrontation between the thief and the vehicle owner, often elevating the severity of the crime.

Grand Theft Auto: This term typically refers to the unlawful taking of a vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. In legal terms, it’s considered a felony due to the high value of most vehicles.

Car Theft: Car theft can be a broader term encompassing various acts of stealing vehicles, including carjacking and grand theft auto.

Possible Related Offenses:

Robbery: Taking property from someone through force or intimidation.
Burglary: Entering a structure unlawfully with intent to commit a crime inside, which might include stealing a car from a garage.

The Legal Process for Carjacking Defendants in Indiana

Arrest and Charges – Once arrested for carjacking, a defendant will face formal charges. These charges can range from:

Felony Carjacking: Due to its violent nature, carjacking is typically charged as a felony.
Related Offenses: Depending on the circumstances, additional charges such as assault or robbery may be levied.

Arraignment – During the arraignment, the defendant is formally read the charges and asked to enter a plea. This is a critical stage where having a criminal defense lawyer present can make a significant difference.

Pre-Trial Proceedings – The pre-trial phase includes discove r y (exchange of evidence) and possible plea negotiations. Your attorney will work to build a strong defense, challenge the prosecution’s evidence, and explore plea bargain opportunities if appropriate.

Common Carjacking Defenses

Mistaken Identity: Arguing that the defendant was wrongly identified as the perpetrator.
Lack of Intent: Demonstrating that the defendant did not intend to permanently deprive the owner of their vehicle.
Coercion or Duress: Showing that the defendant was forced to commit the crime under threat of harm.
Alibi: Providing evidence that the defendant was elsewhere when the crime occurred.

Evidence and Testimonies

A strong defense may include eyewitness testimony, surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and expert witnesses. Your defense lawyer will scrutinize the prosecution’s case and present evidence to support your innocence or mitigate charges.

What to Expect During a Criminal Trial or Plea Bargain

Criminal Trial

If the case goes to trial, both the defense and prosecution will present their evidence and arguments before a judge or jury. The trial process involves:

Jury Selection: Choosing impartial jurors to hear the case.
Opening Statements: Both sides outline their cases.
Presentation of Evidence: Witnesses testify, and physical evidence is presented.
Closing Arguments: Final summaries of each side’s case.
Jury Deliberation and Verdict: The jury deliberates and returns a verdict.

Plea Bargain

In many cases, a plea bargain may be reached before trial. This involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can negotiate favorable terms.

The Importance of Legal Representation for Car Theft and Robbery Charges

Facing carjacking or related charges without legal representation is risky. A seasoned criminal defense lawyer provides:

Expertise: Knowledge of Indiana criminal law and courtroom procedures.
Strategy: Developing a robust defense tailored to your case.
Negotiation: Skilled negotiation for plea bargains and reduced sentences.
Support: Guidance through each step of the legal process.

Look For a Lawyer With:

Proven experience in handling carjacking and related offenses.
A track record of successful defenses and favorable plea deals.
Strong communication skills and client testimonials.

Conclusion

Navigating carjacking charges in Indiana requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal process, potential defenses, and the importance of skilled legal representation. If you or someone you know is facing such charges, it’s essential to act swiftly and consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer.

Don’t face these serious charges alone. Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 today for a free consultation and take the first step towards a strong defense. Our Indianapolis car theft lawyers are here to help you navigate the complexities of our state’s criminal justice system and fight for your rights after being arrested for stealing a car in Indiana. We will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!

Last week, we cleared up the confusion regarding the difference between burglary crimes and robbery crimes. Today, we will continue the discussion of Indiana theft laws and penalties by outlining the difference between two very common types of theft that involve cars: car theft and grand theft auto. Continue reading to get started.

Car Theft

Grand theft auto is the same offense as car theft. If a person steals a vehicle with the intent of keeping it, or not returning it, it is considered the crime of grand theft auto.

Theft of a motor vehicle is a Level 5 Felony crime in Indiana, which are punishable by 2 to 8 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and additional strict penalties. The type of felony and subsequent penalties can increase depending on the details and circumstances of the crime. Furthermore, auto theft does not apply to just cars and trucks; it also includes boats, motorcycles, campers, and other vehicles.

Criminal Conversion Theft

If a person commits theft of a vehicle without the intention of depriving the property forever, Indiana will charge this as “criminal conversion” instead of a felony theft charge. An example of criminal conversion would be borrowing a person’s car without their permission, but with the intent of returning it when finished. If you commit this crime, you could face Class A misdemeanor criminal charges. In some instances, Indiana will charge a person with a Class A misdemeanor if the property value is under a certain dollar amount; and amount that is generally at the prosecutor’s discretion.

Unauthorized Use (Joy-Riding)

If a person takes another person’s vehicle without permission with the intent to return it, they are violating Indiana’s Unauthorized Control of a Vehicle Statute, a crime commonly called joy-riding. Although it is a crime, it is not a car theft crime. Instead, it is charged as a less serious misdemeanor crime.

Car Rental Theft

In the case that a person rents a vehicle from a commercial business, and then fails to return it after 30 days of signing the rental car agreement (or 3 days following a written demand for the vehicle’s return), then they are guilty of an auto theft crime. If a written or mailed demand for the vehicle’s return is sent to the address on the signed agreement (in which case they would have 3 days to comply), but the person no longer lives there, they cannot use that as a defense.

Obtain an Aggressive Car Theft Lawyer in Indiana

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 if you have been charged with grand theft auto in Indianapolis or anywhere else within Central Indiana. He offers aggressive and experienced criminal defense for anyone facing car theft charges in Indiana. Don’t settle for an attorney that doesn’t have the drive. Attorney David E. Lewis will stop at nothing to protect your rights and preserve your freedoms. We also offer criminal record expungement services to help clean up your criminal history and improve your quality of life!

INDIANAPOLIS CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

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Navigating Carjacking Charges: Indiana’s Legal Guide