The Legal Implications of Carjacking in Arizona
Taking a vehicle by force or threat elevates a theft charge to carjacking in Arizona—here’s what separates it from auto theft, and how these cases are defended.
Recognized By
As Seen On
Recognized By
Featured Answer
Is Carjacking a Separate Crime in Arizona?
No. Arizona has no separate carjacking law. Taking a car by force is charged as robbery (ARS 13-1902), armed robbery (ARS 13-1904) or theft of means of transportation (ARS 13-1814), a Class 3 felony carrying up to 8.75 years for a first offense. Weapons raise penalties.
The Legal Implications of Carjacking in Arizona
Introduction
Carjacking is a serious crime with significant legal consequences in Arizona. Understanding the legal framework surrounding this offense is crucial for anyone affected by it, whether directly or indirectly. This blog post, brought to you by Tamou Law Group PLLC, aims to shed light on the statutes and legal implications of carjacking in Arizona, providing an informative guide for readers.
What is Carjacking?
Carjacking is defined as the act of stealing a car by force or intimidation. In Arizona, this crime is taken very seriously due to its violent nature and the potential harm it poses to victims.
Legal Statutes Governing Carjacking in Arizona
Under Arizona law, carjacking is not listed as a separate offense; instead, it falls under the statutes related to theft and robbery. The relevant laws include:
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1802 (Theft): This statute covers the unlawful taking of property, including motor vehicles, with the intent to deprive the owner of it.
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1902 (Robbery): Robbery involves taking property from another person against their will by using force or intimidation.
- Arizona Revised Statutes §13-1904 (Armed Robbery): This is a more severe form of robbery where the perpetrator is armed with a weapon.
Penalties and Sentencing
The penalties for carjacking in Arizona depend on several factors, including the circumstances of the crime and the criminal history of the offender. Generally, carjacking can lead to significant prison time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
- Theft of a means of transportation (A.R.S. §13-1814) is often charged in carjacking cases, which is a Class 3 felony and can result in up to 8.75 years in prison for a first-time offender.
- Aggravated factors, such as the use of a weapon, can increase these penalties significantly.
The Impact on Victims
Carjacking is not just a property crime; it’s a violent crime that can leave lasting psychological effects on victims. Victims may experience trauma, fear, and a sense of vulnerability long after the incident.
Legal Defense Strategies
If you’re accused of carjacking in Arizona, it’s vital to seek legal representation immediately. Defense strategies may include challenging the evidence, negotiating plea deals, or proving a lack of intent.
How Tamou Law Group PLLC Can Help
At Tamou Law Group PLLC, we understand the complexities of carjacking cases in Arizona. Our experienced legal team is equipped to provide a robust defense, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Conclusion
Carjacking is a grave offense in Arizona with severe legal implications. It’s essential to understand the laws and penalties associated with this crime. If you or someone you know is facing charges related to carjacking, it’s crucial to get experienced legal help.For more information or to discuss a specific case, contact Tamou Law Group PLLC at 623-321-4699. Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you with any legal needs related to carjacking or other criminal offenses in Arizona.
Award-Winning Criminal Defense Law Firm
When you are looking for the best Phoenix criminal defense lawyers, these are the independently verified credentials that matter, earned by Founding Attorney Michael Tamou and a full team of attorneys, including former prosecutors.
Client reviews
What our clients say
I highly recommend Michael Tamou! He recently handled my GCE application, and I couldn't be more grateful for his help. From the very beginning, Michael was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and thorough in making sure everything was completed perfectly. What stood out the most was his compassion—legal processes can be highly stressful, but he treated me with genuine care, kept me informed, and made me feel completely supported throughout. If you need a dedicated and skilled attorney who truly cares about his clients, look no further than Michael Tamou.
DMDan MillerGoogle review · Oct 2026Michael Tamou is an exceptional attorney! Facing a case that could affect my future was incredibly stressful, but from our first conversation, he provided honest guidance, reassurance, and a clear plan. He immediately got to work, personally reviewing the evidence and reports, filing the necessary motions, and keeping me informed throughout the process. His expertise, persistence, and genuine care gave me confidence that my case was in capable hands. I’m incredibly grateful that Michael achieved the outcome I had hoped and prayed for: my case was dismissed. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled, dedicated, and caring attorney.
TJTammy JohnsonGoogle review · Sep 2026I had a great experience working with Michael. From the beginning, they were professional, knowledgeable, and responsive. They took the time to explain everything clearly, kept me informed throughout the process, and always had my best interests in mind. Their dedication and attention to detail gave me confidence during a stressful time, and they achieved a positive outcome for my case. I truly appreciate their hard work and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for an experienced and trustworthy attorney. Thank so much Tamou Law Group.
AAAlejandra ArevaloGoogle review · Aug 2026This is a great group of attorneys that work together!! There’s no other law firm I’d use for any situation. They put the time and effort into helping out any way they can. Mike and Kristie were both amazing in handling my situation and being transparent during the whole process.
TTJ2KGoogle review · Nov 2026I can’t thank Tamou Law Group enough for helping me with my case. They truly went above and beyond, and I’m incredibly grateful for their hard work, dedication, and support. Having a team in your corner that cares makes all the difference during a stressful time. Five stars don’t feel like enough! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a law firm that will go the extra mile. Thank you for everything!
EGEvan GibraelGoogle review · Oct 2026I cannot recommend Ms. Jacie Cotterell highly enough. From start to finish, she was absolutely amazing throughout the entire process. She was professional, knowledgeable, and always took the time to answer my questions and explain everything clearly, which gave me a lot of peace of mind during a stressful situation. What stood out most was how genuinely caring and dedicated she was. I always felt like she had my best interests at heart, and her communication was excellent every step of the way. She made a difficult experience much easier to navigate and was always patient, supportive, and reassuring. I am incredibly grateful for all of her hard work and guidance. If you’re looking for someone who is compassionate, trustworthy, and truly committed to helping her clients, I wholeheartedly recommend Ms. Jacie Cotterell. Thank you again for everything, wyou made a lasting positive impact, and I truly appreciate all that you did.
BPBlaze PeralesGoogle review · Aug 2026Michael is hands down the best in the business. The day I called him he explained everything about my daughter’s situation and took the time to research the charges. He then gave me a price and gave me a chance to think it through before hiring him and two weeks later we retained his services. Michael went to work at that point with his team and brought results that no one else could do. My daughter now has a second chance to get her life on track over a few costly mistakes that could have landed her in prison and with a felony record but Michael did not allow that to happen. If you need solid representation that fights for you then hire Michael.
RHrob hardeeGoogle review · Aug 2026Kristie & Mike didn’t just see me as another client but as a person in need of help. The level of professionalism & communication going through my whole case made me feel at peace. Amazing lawyers & 10/10 would recommend!
DNDanny NguyenGoogle review · Oct 2026We {Carrie & Ted S.} are very pleased that we chose Mike Tamou Law Group to represent a criminal case that was against our granddaughter. The case against her was for two different ordeals, and in both situations - the cases were handled above & beyond what we expected. Because of Mike's quickness and professionalism, both situations were resolved in an expedited manor with positive results that we were extremely pleased with. Our granddaughter is also extremely pleased with the results. We would recommend {Mike} Tamou Law Group to anybody that is seeking legal advice in a criminal situation.
TSTed SchroederGoogle review · Jul 2026I had an aggravated DUI case class 4 felony. With an extensive criminal record of 7 prior felonies. Mr. Tamou did an outstanding job on my case, he got me the least possible amount of time. He got the prosecutor not to allege any of my priers. I did just 4 months with a probation tail. Other lawyers I spoke with prior to retaining M. Tamou, told me the best they could get, would be a few years in prison, due to my extensive criminal history. Michael said he would fight for me and he delivered. He has relationships with the prosecutors and judges and is a great negotiator. Also he was great with communicating with me throughout the process. Always returned my calls and text messages and kept me informed. I highly recommend him.
PGPaul GonzalezGoogle review · May 2026I had a great experience with Tamou Law! Michael was very helpful. He took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy for me to understand, which made the entire process feel much less overwhelming. He was patient, professional, and always made sure I felt informed and comfortable with each step. I truly appreciated his communication and support throughout! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
SSandraGoogle review · Apr 2026Michael is truly amazing. I am so happy that I chose him to help me with my legal situation. He is completely trustworthy. Michael was completely transparent and honest throughout the entire process and offered support to me like I was his own family member. He was patient and understanding and prompt in responding to any of my inquiries during my waiting period. His explanations were clear and logical, and I felt beyond comfortable with him. I really appreciate him and the staff in his practice, and I highly recommend him for anyone's legal needs!! Thank you, Michael! You're really the best. I appreciate you!
RLRochelle LeeGoogle review · Feb 2026Our family went through the worst time of our lives! It was wonderful to have Michael on our side fighting for us and giving us the advice we needed to take the right steps. Case Dismissed! Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and support.
RERussell EllisGoogle review · Aug 2026He's the Greatest lawyer we could have ever asked for he put his heart into helping us and we came out with exactly what we wanted! I highly recommend him!
JOJose OrtizGoogle review · Oct 2026⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I cannot thank Mike Tamou enough for what he did for my family. My son was facing serious charges that could have changed the course of his life forever. From the very beginning, Mr. Tamou treated us with compassion, respect, and honesty. He took the time to explain every step of the process, always making sure we understood what was happening and what to expect. His professionalism and dedication were unmatched. He worked tirelessly on my son’s case, exploring every possible option and fighting for the best outcome. Because of Mike’s skill, expertise, and determination, my son was saved from going to jail and now has the opportunity to move forward and rebuild his life. I am forever grateful for his hard work and would highly recommend Mike Tamou to anyone in need of a strong, knowledgeable, and caring defense attorney. He doesn’t just represent his clients—he truly fight for them.
EHErin HernandezGoogle review · 2025Michael did an amazing job helping my loved one with his case. He was the first call I made and I knew right then how much he truly cared for his clients. I highly recommend Tamou Law to anyone who reads this review. Michael worked extremely hard for us and exceeded my expectations of the outcome. He is compassionate, very knowledgeable, experienced, respected and very fair. He always took the time to take my calls and to listen to questions that we had. He works hard for his clients and is the kind of guy you want on your side. Thanks again Michael. You were a pleasure to work with.
LBLaurie BryantGoogle review · 2024Great experience from start to finish. Professional, responsive, and made a stressful situation much easier. I felt confident the whole time and really appreciated Michael’s support. Highly recommend!
SMShivraj MannGoogle review · Apr 2026Had a situation that Michael helped me through with the best possible outcome. Very responsive and actually cares about his clients.
CJCaleb JohnsonGoogle review · Aug 2026My son was an idiot and was in serious trouble. He was facing prison time. Fortunately, we were referred to Tamou Law Group by trusted friends and we are beyond grateful that we listened. From the onset, Michael helped to put our family at ease. We discussed the charges where Mike provided insight that helped adjust our expectations. Sure enough, it played out nearly exactly like Mike predicted. Mike put a strong case together – which resulted with no jail time! If you find yourself in need of legal representation, you should hire Michael Timou!
AHArmando HernandezGoogle review · 2025I can’t recommend Tamou law group enough. From day one, Micheal took the time to really listen, explained my options in a way that actually made sense, and built a strong strategy that put my mind at ease. The entire team was professional, responsive and genuinely caring throughout the whole process. They fought tirelessly and delivered a result that far exceeded my expectations. If you need a law firm you can trust completely, this is it. Thank you!
BKBryan KingGoogle review · Dec 2025
Why Tamou Law Group for Criminal Defense
Every criminal case in Arizona is decided by what the State can prove, and the State proves less when the defense starts early. We get into cases before charges are filed whenever we can, and we build them on evidence rather than argument.
Results across the spectrum
Our published results include armed robbery and sexual assault cases dismissed, reckless driving dismissed, diversion on drug and theft charges, probation with no jail on aggravated DUI, and a second-degree murder charge reduced. Every case is different, and these show how we fight.
Former prosecutors and law enforcement officers
Our team includes former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, so we know how the State builds a case and where it breaks down. Michael Tamou handled roughly 500 cases a year at the public defender’s office before founding the firm.
Recognized, and available
Michael Tamou is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and Top 40 Under 40, Super Lawyers Southwest and Elite Lawyer 2026. We answer 24/7 from our Phoenix and Scottsdale offices, and we appear in Maricopa, Pima and Pinal County courts.
Published results in this area
| Case | Charges | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| State v. D.O. | Armed robbery and aggravated assault (A.R.S. 13-1904, 13-1204) | Dismissed |
| State v. W.N. | Sexual assault and sexual abuse (13-1406, 13-1404) | Case dismissed |
| State v. C.K. | Reckless driving and racing (28-693, 28-708) | Case dismissed |
| State v. N.K. | Possession of narcotic drugs (13-3408, 13-3415) | Diversion |
| State v. L.S. | Aggravated DUI (28-1383) | Probation, no jail |
| State v. F.N. | Second-degree murder (13-1104) | Reduced charge |
Anonymized outcomes from our case results page. Every case is different; past results do not guarantee a future outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carjacking a separate crime in Arizona?
No, Arizona has no standalone carjacking statute; the offense is prosecuted under robbery (A.R.S. 13-1902), armed robbery (A.R.S. 13-1904), and theft of means of transportation (A.R.S. 13-1814). Prosecutors often stack these charges together, so a single carjacking incident can produce multiple felony counts.
What class felony is carjacking in Arizona?
Carjacking is usually charged as armed robbery, a Class 2 felony under A.R.S. 13-1904, or theft of means of transportation, a Class 3 felony under A.R.S. 13-1814. Unarmed robbery under A.R.S. 13-1902 is a Class 4 felony, so the exact class depends on force and weapons used.
How long can you go to prison for carjacking in Arizona?
A first-time carjacking conviction in Arizona can bring up to 8.75 years in prison for theft of means of transportation and up to 21 years for armed robbery charged as a dangerous offense. Prior felonies, injury to the victim, or gun use can push sentences significantly higher.
Does using a weapon during a carjacking increase penalties in Arizona?
Yes, using or threatening with a weapon elevates a carjacking to armed robbery under A.R.S. 13-1904, a Class 2 felony that, when charged and proven as a dangerous offense, carries mandatory prison of 7 to 21 years with no probation. Even simulating a weapon during the taking can trigger the armed robbery statute.
What is theft of means of transportation in Arizona?
Theft of means of transportation, A.R.S. 13-1814, makes it a Class 3 felony to knowingly take or control another person’s vehicle with intent to permanently deprive the owner of it. It is the charge most often filed in Arizona carjacking cases, alongside robbery counts when force was used.
Can carjacking charges be reduced or dismissed in Arizona?
Yes, carjacking charges can be reduced or dismissed when the state cannot prove force, intent to permanently deprive, or identity beyond a reasonable doubt. Defenses include challenging witness identifications, suppressing illegally obtained evidence, and negotiating armed robbery counts down to simple theft or unlawful use of a vehicle.
What is the difference between carjacking and car theft in Arizona?
The difference is force: carjacking means taking a vehicle directly from a person by force or threat, charged as robbery, while car theft is taking an unattended vehicle under A.R.S. 13-1814. Because robbery is a crime against a person, carjacking carries far harsher sentences than ordinary auto theft.
Do I need a lawyer if I am accused of carjacking in Arizona?
Yes, you need a defense lawyer immediately, because Arizona carjacking cases combine robbery and theft felonies that can carry mandatory prison time. Tamou Law Group defends carjacking and vehicle theft charges throughout Phoenix and Scottsdale and can intervene before charges are formally filed. Call 623-321-4699, 24/7.
Two Arizona Offices, One Team
We serve all of Maricopa County and the surrounding area, with free, confidential consultations 24/7 by phone and in-person meetings at either office by appointment.
Case Results Disclaimer: The results described on this page are based on specific facts and circumstances and do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future case. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future results. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page or submitting a contact form until a written fee agreement has been signed. Tamou Law Group, PLLC is licensed to practice law in the State of Arizona. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
