An 18-year-old Gainesville man was arrested early Saturday morning on charges related to carjacking.
The man is accused of battering a friend with whom he had allegedly been doing drugs and then stealing the friend’s car.
Later, a motorcyclist apparently spotted the man on top of a car that was moving on I-75. The motorcyclist, reportedly about 70 years old, stopped to help the man.
The accused allegedly told the man he needed his motorcycle to get away from his father, whom he feared was going to kill him.
According to the arrest report, the man pushed the motorcyclist off of his bike and began beating him, but was not able to take the motorcycle.
The report indicates the man abandoned the car he allegedly had stolen but was found a short time later.
Police claim the man told them he had used mushrooms and drug known as spice.
Florida law defines carjacking as the forceful taking of a car from a person in their presence. Carjacking is classified as first-degree felony carrying consequences of up to 30 years in state prison. Due to the fact that this crime involves the use of threats, force and possibly weapons it carries stricter penalties than a grand theft auto charge. Carjacking is actually considered a form of robbery, which is why being arrested for this crime is a grim issue. Prosecutors are zealous about pursuing convictions and lengthy prison sentences for crimes of violence, so it is vital to retain a Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer right away to provide an aggressive defense for your case.
With your future and freedom on the line, it is essential to perform a thorough investigation into the charges against you in a timely manner in order to mount the most effective defense. The Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton will do whatever it takes to make sure your rights are protected. We believe in the presumption of innocence and can provide you with the strong defense you deserve.
It is important to exercise your rights and refrain from answering any police questions before retaining a criminal defense attorney. Many individuals accused of crimes succumb to police pressure and make incriminating statements they later regret. Regardless of the circumstances you are facing, the Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can manage the situation and seek out any possible defense strategy to fight and avoid the severe penalties associated with a carjacking charge.
If you or someone you love has been charged with carjacking in Gainesville or elsewhere in the state of Florida, contact the Florida Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or call our Alachua County office at 352-264-7800. You can reach us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).