ROBBERY OF A MOTOR VEHILCE IN PENNSYLVANIA
18 Pa.C.S. § 3702

Pennsylvania’s “robbery of a motor vehicle” statute covers the crime commonly known as carjacking.  It is the theft of a motor vehicle while the vehicle’s owner, or anyone lawfully possessing it, is present.

Grading & Offense Gravity Score

Robbery of a motor vehicle is always graded as a felony of the first degree.

If the carjacking results in serious bodily injury (SBI) the offense gravity score (OGS) is 12.

If no SBI results, the OGS is 9.

Deadly Weapon Enhancement

If a deadly weapon (firearm, knife, blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, etc.) is used or possessed during the commission of carjacking, the sentencing court must apply the suitable (Possessed or Used) sentencing range listed in the deadly weapon enhancement sentencing matrix.

​Consequences of a Robbery of a Motor Vehicle Conviction

The consequences of a robbery of a car conviction in PA include jail time (typically a state sentence), prolonged probation / parole supervision, expensive fines, and restitution.

A carjacking conviction in Pennsylvania may also prevent a person from gaining employment, keeping a job, or participating in certain education / training programs. A robbery conviction disqualifies one from owning and/or possessing a firearm. If an offender is not a United States citizen, a robbery conviction may also lead to deportation.

Ineligible for Special Programs

Moreover, because robbery of a motor vehicle is considered a “personal injury crime” by the Crime Victims Act, it will likely disqualify an offender from participating in sentencing alternatives and/or certain programing such as the RRRI Program, County Intermediate Punishment, State Intermediate Punishment and/or State Motivational Boot Camp (subsections (i), (ii), (iii) and 18 Pa.C.S. § 3702 relating to robbery of a motor vehicle).

An Experienced PA Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

If you or someone you know has been charged with robbery of a motor vehicle in PA it is extremely important to timely hire an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney because these cases are complex and the accused’s freedom and other important rights are at risk.

​When choosing a lawyer, it is important that to seek the services of a lawyer that primarily practices criminal defense and that the lawyer has personally handled felony cases in the county where the robbery charge is being prosecuted. Likewise, it is vital that the lawyer understands and can conduct a full investigation into the facts and circumstances of the allegation.

An experienced defense lawyer can effectively challenge the Commonwealth’s evidence by various means, including: the identity if the accused, their intent, and the proper grading of the offense. Hiring the right criminal defense lawyer, as soon as possible, can help the accused build their case by gathering the evidence to build a defense. It is the best chance for an accused to preserve their legal rights, as well as their liberty.

Contact Lampman Law to Defend Robbery Charges

I am eager to help you defend your robbery of a motor vehicle case and I am confident that I will help you resolve these charges in a positive manner, so you can move forward with your life. If you decide to hire me I will carefully listen to your side of the story, personally answer your calls, return calls promptly, and will personally handle all aspects of your robbery case with careful attention to every detail.

Please contact me at 570-371-3737 if you have any questions. I would like to discuss your carjacking case with you and meet you in person. I offer a free consultation and can visit you upon your request. My fees are reasonable and payment plans (including credit card payment) can be arranged.