An 18-year-old Chicago area woman was charged recently with vehicular hijacking following an incident that occurred in the Portage Park neighborhood. It seems a man left his vehicle unattended, with the engine running and the keys in the ignition, while the engine was warming up at about 8:30 a.m. According to the news story, an 18 year old woman got into the car, and drove away.
Apparently, the young lady could use a decent driver’s education course, because she didn’t even get past the city block where she stole the car. She hit as many as five parked cars before hitting a house. As for the vehicular hijacking charge, that is known in Illinois as a ‘Class 1 Felony’, which upon a finding of guilt, carries a mandatory prison term of no less than 4, nor more than 15 years in prison. Probation is not authorized for this type of offense under the Illinois Code of Corrections.
A person commits the offense of vehicular hijacking when one knowingly takes a motor vehicle from the person or immediate presence of another by the use of force or by threatening the imminent use of force. Although news stories are not evidence, the article says absolutely nothing about the use or threat of force in this case, so we wonder what caused the police, and the State’s Attorney’s office, to charge this young woman with a non-probationable felony.
If you have been arrested for a criminal or traffic offense of any kind, you need the services of experienced, aggressive attorneys that will fight for your rights, and protect your freedom. You need knowledgeable traffic violation lawyers, such as those at Mitchell S. Sexner & Associates LLC. Call us today at (312) 644-0444 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys at either our Chicago or Arlington Heights offices. The consultation is free, with no obligation, and completely confidential. Call today.