18 U.S.C. § 2119 – Taking a motor vehicle (carjacking)
This statute makes it a federal crime to take a motor vehicle from someone by force, threats, or intimidation.
Section 2119 is the federal carjacking law. A person breaks this law when they take a vehicle from someone else, or try to take one, by using force, violence, or intimidation. The offense becomes more serious when a dangerous weapon is used or when someone is seriously hurt or killed during the crime.
(1) Basic carjacking offense.
A person commits carjacking if they:
- take a motor vehicle from someone, or attempt to take one,
- use force, violence, or intimidation to do it, and
- intend to cause serious harm or death if necessary to complete the theft.
The vehicle must be one that has been transported, shipped, or received through interstate or foreign commerce, which includes almost all vehicles in the U.S.
Penalties:
The punishment depends on what happens during the crime:
- Up to 15 years in prison if no one is seriously injured.
- Up to 25 years in prison if serious bodily injury occurs.
- Up to life in prison if the victim dies.
Attempted carjacking is punished the same as a completed carjacking.
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