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Criminal charges

carjacking

Carjacking is a type of robbery in which the criminal uses force or the threat of force to take possession and control of an automobile—usually when the victim is inside or near the automobile. Carjacking laws vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state’s penal code. Carjacking is also a federal crime when the stolen vehicle is transported, shipped, or received in interstate or foreign commerce (generally, transported across state lines).

In Illinois, carjacking is considered a serious criminal offense and is addressed under the state's penal code. Specifically, it is defined as taking a motor vehicle from the person or the immediate presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. This crime is classified as vehicular hijacking under Illinois law, and it is a Class 1 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of 4 to 15 years. Aggravated vehicular hijacking, which involves additional factors such as the presence of a firearm or a victim who is under 16 years old or disabled, is a Class X felony, carrying a harsher penalty of 6 to 30 years in prison. On the federal level, carjacking becomes a federal crime if the stolen vehicle is transported across state lines, which falls under the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies and can lead to federal charges with severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 15 years or more, depending on the circumstances of the crime.

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Criminal charges

carjacking

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Criminal charges

carjacking

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