Is Carjacking a Felony Offense in Connecticut?

 Posted on January 15, 2025 in Theft and Property Crimes

Hartford police are currently searching for a man who allegedly carjacked a vehicle around 3:00 in the morning in the area of 12 Congress Street. A woman and her friend were sitting in her car smoking when the suspect pointed a firearm at them, demanded their belongings, and ordered them out of the car. The suspect then drove away in the car, traveling westbound on Jefferson Street.

The suspect is described as being in his early 20s, with a medium build, wearing a gray hoodie and a black face mask. While carjacking has become much more common in the past decade or so, it is a serious criminal offense with serious penalties and consequences. In 2022, the state of Connecticut had 7,009 carjacking incidents.

Across the United States, the average carjacking rate was 20.1 per 100,000 people in 2018 and 37.9 per 100,000 people in 2023 – a significant increase. Penalties for carjacking have also been increased in many states in an attempt to halt the rise in this crime. If you have been charged with carjacking, you need an extremely experienced Stamford, CT criminal defense attorney who will defend your rights and your future.  

What is Carjacking in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut state law, carjacking is not defined as a separate crime, so it is prosecuted under related offenses, including robbery, larceny, or assault, depending on the circumstances. Carjacking involves the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle from another person through force, threats, or intimidation. There must be proof that the suspect intended to deprive the owner of the vehicle, either permanently or temporarily.

Is Carjacking a Felony?

Larceny of a motor vehicle is charged as a Class E felony for a first offense, a Class D felony for a second offense, and a Class B felony for a subsequent offense – assuming nobody was hurt or killed during the carjacking. If the suspect took the car with the owner of the car or a child in the back, then kidnapping charges could also apply.

A Class E felony has penalties of up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of $3,500. A Class D felony has penalties of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $5,000. A Class B felony is punishable by five to 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $15,000.

These charges and associated penalties can increase when:

• The victim was injured during the carjacking.
• A weapon was used during the carjacking.
• Force or the threat of force was used during the carjacking.
• The value of the vehicle is particularly high.
• The defendant has a prior criminal record.

If the defendant is a juvenile, the penalties may decrease.

Are There Defenses to Carjacking Charges?

The sooner you have a highly skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side, the better the outcome of your charges is likely to be. While every situation is different, and a criminal defense attorney will tailor a defense to carjacking charges specifically to the unique situation, some of the more common defenses include:

•  Consent on the part of the car owner
• The defendant had a lack of intent.
• Mistakes were made by the police during the arrest.
• Violations of constitutional rights
• An alibi on the part of the defendant.
• Eyewitness testimony that places the defendant elsewhere.

Contact a Fairfield County, CT Carjacking Lawyer

If you are facing larceny of motor vehicle charges (carjacking), it is important that you speak to a Stamford, CT carjacking lawyer from Law Offices of Daniel P. Weiner. Our attorney is highly experienced in defending against this type of criminal offense and will provide exemplary guidance throughout the legal process. Call 203-348-5846 today to schedule your free consultation.