Tennessee Criminal Lawyer Blog

Tennessee criminal defense lawyers help clients charged with carjacking in the East Tennessee area. Carjacking closely resembles robbery under Tennessee law. There are three robbery offenses in Tennessee: robbery, aggravated robbery, and especially aggravated robbery. The robbery offenses and the resulting punishment are based upon the potential for harm or actual harm to the victim.

Under Tennessee law, "Carjacking" is the intentional or knowing taking of a motor vehicle from the possession of another by use of:

• A deadly weapon; or

• Force or intimidation

The General assembly in Tennessee wanted to distinguish carjacking from one of the three robbery offenses. First, the general assembly recognized that carjacking is usually committed in order to facilitate the perpetrator's flight from the scene of a prior crime. Next, the theft of the vehicle not only makes the perpetrator's escape more likely, but also puts the public at risk when the perpetrator flees. Ultimately, the theft of a vehicle deprives the victim of his or her freedom of movement. For these reasons, carjacking is taken seriously under Tennessee law, as it is a Class B felony. Class B felonies are punishable between eight and thirty years incarceration, and a fine up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).

If you or a loved one has been charged with robbery, carjacking, or any other crime under Tennessee law, contact a criminal defense attorney today. All initial consultations are free. Our criminal attorneys help client in East Tennessee including Knoxville, Sevierville, Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Morristown, Maryville, Loudon, and Madisonville.