New Jersey Carjacking Attorneys

Building Solid Legal Defense Strategies Against the Most Serious Crimes

Many crimes under New Jersey law carry severe punishments, but few are treated as strictly as carjacking. This offense could land a person in prison for decades, so it’s important to not procrastinate or “hope for the best.” You need a New Jersey carjacking defense lawyer who understands the law and has a proven record of securing favorable outcomes for their clients. The rest of your life could literally depend on the decisions you make today, so take time to find legal representation who will fight to get the best possible outcome in your case.

At The Bianchi Law Group, our team of dedicated legal professionals has seen what happens when defendants are convicted of carjacking. Unlike auto theft, this criminal offense will never be charged as a second-degree crime. The state simply takes this matter too seriously. In fact, prosecutors are not allowed to downgrade to a lesser degree crime. This means the government’s primary goal becomes permanently depriving you of your freedom — from decades in prison to a lifetime of indirect consequences from a felony conviction.

Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact us today for your free consultation.

What Constitutes Carjacking Under New Jersey Law?

In New Jersey, Carjacking is a very serious first-degree crime and can be punishable with up to 30 years in New Jersey State Prison. N.J.S.A. 2C:15-2. A person is guilty of carjacking if in the course of committing an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, as defined in N.J.S.A. 39:1-1, or in an attempt to commit an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle if they:

• Inflict bodily injury or use force upon an occupant or person in possession or control of a motor vehicle;
• threaten an occupant or person in control with, or purposely or knowingly puts an occupant or person in control of the motor vehicle in fear of immediate bodily injury;
• commit or threaten immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree; or
• operate or cause the said vehicle to be operated with the person who was in possession or control or was an occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of the taking remaining in the vehicle.

Under New Jersey law, prosecutors must prove these elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If they’re unable to do so, a conviction for the first-degree crime of carjacking is unconstitutional. Unfortunately, our prison system has a significant portion of inmates who are guilty of the charges against them. Any criminal offense has the potential to result in unjust outcomes, and in many cases, these occur when defendants don’t secure competent legal representation.

At The Bianchi Law Group, our New Jersey carjacking lawyers are here to help. And since we offer free consultations, you have nothing to lose by reaching out today.

Former Carjacking Prosecutors

The Bianchi Law Group is made up of a team of former trial prosecutors who have handled the investigations and prosecutions of most crimes in New Jersey and will defend you for all federal and state crimes in New Jersey, including carjacking. Do not let promises by prosecutors of potentially reduced sentencing fool you: carjacking is a serious offense. If the government comes after you for this crime, they’re typically going to seek as harsh of a punishment as they can. Any promises of leniency are typically based on a desire to get the case over with quickly.

This is just one of the many tactics utilized by prosecuting attorneys. They also frequently overcharge cases in order to scare defendants into pleading guilty to other crimes. At Bianchi Law Group, we know these tactics because we used to work in prosecutor offices. Thanks to our experience on both sides of the aisle, we’re frequently able to successfully advocate for our clients — oftentimes securing charge dismissal or exoneration on their behalf. Of course, every case is different, and the best possible defense strategy will vary based on situational circumstances.

When you’re facing felony charges in New Jersey, it’s important to understand the gravity of your situation. Our law firm is here to help. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Certified Criminal Trial Attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court

Partners Robert A. Bianchi and David J. Bruno are also both certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as Criminal Trial Attorneys. In New Jersey, the New Jersey Supreme Court has a certification committee that classifies certain New Jersey Lawyers as Certified Trial Attorneys. The process requires the prospective attorneys to satisfy strict criteria, including extensive jury trials, a primary focus on criminal law, an application submission, a peer review process, a character and background check, and a written examination.

Only 250 of over 98,000 lawyers (less than 1%) are designated as certified criminal trial attorneys by the New Jersey Supreme Court. This should be an important factor in finding a New Jersey criminal defense attorney to represent you. Many New Jersey Lawyers describe themselves as trial attorneys, but most do not have the New Jersey Court’s distinction as Certified Criminal Trial Attorney. The importance of this distinction cannot be overstated. When defendants are charged with any crime of a violent nature, they need someone who has a proven record at trial.

The trial attorney certification maintained by our law firm shows that this is exactly what we have. When you work with a criminal defense lawyer at our firm, you’ll have a legal professional on your side whose dedication, professionalism, and record are recognized by the state. You don’t have to go through this alone. Let our carjacking attorneys in New Jersey review your case and help you decide how to move forward. Our primary focus will always be your best interests, so contact us today for your free initial consultation.

Carjacking Penalties in New Jersey

Carjacking is a crime of the first degree, and upon conviction thereof, a person may, notwithstanding the sentencing provisions of N.J.S.A. 2C:43-6, be sentenced to an ordinary term of imprisonment between 10 and 30 years. A person convicted of carjacking shall be sentenced to a term of imprisonment, and that term of imprisonment shall include the imposition of a minimum term of at least five years, during which the defendant shall be ineligible for parole.

The Sentencing Judge may also order fines and restitution as prescribed by N.J.S.A. 2C:43-3. In addition to being ineligible for parole for at least five years, individuals accused of using violence or intimidation during car theft typically face added charges. Such crimes include robbery, kidnapping, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses.

It’s also worth noting that the No Early Release Act means that individuals convicted of a carjacking offense will have to serve the majority of the sentence imposed in prison (i.e., at least 85%). Put simply, a lengthy prison sentence typically has no shortcuts under New Jersey law. That’s why you need an experienced carjacking lawyer in New Jersey to handle your case. At The Bianchi Law Group, we won’t stop fighting to secure a favorable outcome in your case.

Contact Our Trial Ready New Jersey Carjacking Lawyers

Like in all of our cases handled at the Bianchi Law Group, our experienced team of former prosecutors are there to ensure the Government can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. If our attorneys cannot resolve the case with a dismissal or a fair and just plea bargain, our lawyers at The Bianchi Law Group will not hesitate to select a jury and take the case to trial. That is what we do and what distinguishes us from other attorneys.

We are former prosecutors, trial-tested, and certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as certified criminal trial attorneys. We will not hesitate to go to trial when this is the right decision for our clients. A carjacking conviction carries serious penalties, and once you accept a deal during plea negotiations or are found guilty by a jury, your legal recourse is greatly reduced. That’s why you should work with an experienced New Jersey carjacking lawyer from the start.

At The Bianchi Law Group, we’re ready to handle your carjacking case and fight to help you avoid life-altering consequences. Contact us at (862) 292-4442 to schedule your free consultation.