Legal Definitions - carjacking

Carjacking refers to the crime of taking a motor vehicle from a person by force, threat, or intimidation.

This offense specifically involves the unlawful seizure of a vehicle directly from its driver or a passenger, or someone in immediate control or proximity, through the use of violence or the threat of violence.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: A driver is stopped at a gas station, about to refuel their car. An individual approaches them, brandishes a knife, and demands the car keys. Fearing for their safety, the driver complies, and the assailant drives away in the vehicle.

  Explanation: This scenario illustrates carjacking because the vehicle was taken directly from the driver through the use of a threat (the knife) and intimidation, compelling the driver to surrender the car.

• Example 2: While a person is sitting in their car, parked on a city street, two individuals open the car doors, physically pull the driver out, and then drive off with the vehicle.

  Explanation: This is a clear instance of carjacking because the vehicle was forcibly taken from the driver through direct physical force, removing them from their immediate control of the automobile.