If you have been charged in the state of New York with the crime of carjacking, you need to know that, regardless of the circumstances surrounding the offense, it is automatically a federal offense. Under certain conditions, you could be facing up to 25 years in prison. It's important to contact a skilled lawyer to help you defend yourself.

Carjacking is the act of taking another person's motor vehicle in their presence by force, intimidation, or violence. There are several scenarios in which the event can take place, and each has a specific set of guidelines and penalties associated with it.

• Class B Felony – The offense is carried out with the use of a deadly weapon, and serious bodily injury is inflicted on the victim.

Penalty: Up to 25 years in prison.

• Class C Felony – A deadly weapon is displayed, and the victim sustains an injury.

Penalty: Up to 15 years in prison.

• Class D Felony – The offense involves no weapon and no injury occurred.

Penalty: Up to 7 years in prison if convicted.