A Hackensack man has been convicted of carjacking in Passaic County. According to authorities, 40 year-old Paul Myhand allegedly entered an occupied car as the driver was parking it near Main Street and Broadway on July 24, 2016. Myhand allegedly yelled to the victim “Give me the car!” He assaulted both the driver and the passenger, took control of the car and drove off. He also sideswiped other cars in the process. Both victims had minor injuries. Police caught up with Myhand shortly after victims reported it to police. He was located only 12 blocks away from the crime scene. This past week, a jury returned a guilty verdict after deliberating for only one hour. He faces up to life in prison. Click here to read more at www.patersontimes.com.
The state of New Jersey takes Carjacking cases very seriously. Carjacking is a crime of the first degree and if you are convicted, you may be sentenced to a term of imprisonment between 10 and 30 years in New Jersey State Prison. (NOTE: The statute extends the term of imprisonment beyond the standard range for a crime of the first degree.) Carjacking is also an enumerated crime under the No Early Release Act (NERA), meaning that 85% of the sentence imposed must be served before becoming eligible for parole.
A person is guilty of carjacking if in the course of committing an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle or in an attempt to commit an unlawful taking of a motor vehicle he:
- Inflicts bodily injury or uses force upon an occupant or person in possession or control of a motor vehicle;
2. Threatens an occupant or person in control with, or purposely or knowingly puts an occupant or person in control of the motor vehicle in fear of, immediate bodily injury;
3. Commits or threatens immediately to commit any crime of the first or second degree; or
4. Operates or causes said vehicle to be operated with the person who was in possession or control or was an occupant of the motor vehicle at the time of the taking remaining in the vehicle.
If you or a loved one is charged with carjacking, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately, especially with your freedom at stake. Former Morris County Prosecutor, Alissa D. Hascup is skilled and experienced at defending individuals charged with carjacking. She will fight to ensure your rights are protected in court, and that you achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact her office for a free consultation about your case. She is available 24/7 at 862-257-1200.
