Have You Been Charged with Hijacking a Bus or Rail Vehicle or Boarding an Aircraft, Bus, or Rail Vehicle with Certain Items in Georgia?
For the past decade, buses, rail vehicles, and airplanes have increased security measures for passengers. The list of prohibited items has risen significantly, and it is critical to research it before boarding. In addition, those convicted of hijacking a bus or rail vehicle are heavily punished. Whether you brought a prohibited item on board or have been charged with hijacking, you need Georgia's Best Criminal Attorney for your case. Our attorneys at Lawson and Berry have over 50 combined years of experience. We dedicate our practice to helping those charged with Georgia criminal offenses protect their rights and their futures. Call now for a free case evaluation.
Georgia Law on Hijacking a Bus or Rail Vehicle
O.C.G.A. § 16-12-123(a)
A person commits the offense of bus or rail vehicle hijacking when he or she:
(A) Seizes or exercises control by force or violence or threat of force or violence of any bus or rail vehicle within the jurisdiction of this state;
(B) By force or violence or by threat of force or violence seizes or exercises control of any transportation company or all or any part of the transportation facilities owned or operated by any such company; or
(C) By force or violence or by threat of force or violence substantially obstructs, hinders, interferes with, or otherwise disrupts or disturbs the operation of any transportation company or all or any part of a transportation facility.
Georgia Law on Boarding an Aircraft, Bus, or Rail Vehicle with Certain Items
O.C.G.A. § 16-12-123(b)
Any person who boards or attempts to board an aircraft, bus, or rail vehicle with any explosive, destructive device, or hoax device as such term is defined in Code section 16-7-80; firearm for which such person does not have on his or her person a valid weapons carry license issued pursuant to Code section 16-11-129 unless possessing such firearm is prohibited by federal law; hazardous substance as defined by Code section 12-8-92; or knife or other device designed or modified for the purpose of offense and defense concealed on or about his or her person or property which is or would be accessible to such person while on the aircraft, bus, or rail vehicle will be guilty under the statute.
The Penalty for Hijacking a Bus or Rail Vehicle or Boarding an Aircraft, Bus, or Rail Vehicle with Certain Items in Georgia
A person convicted of hijacking a bus or rail vehicle in Georgia will be charged with a felony. The penalty will be a prison term between one and twenty years or life in prison. Beyond prison, having a felony conviction on your record can make it challenging to obtain a job, housing, or credit.
A person convicted of boarding an aircraft, bus, or rail vehicle with certain items in Georgia will also be guilty of a felony punishable by a prison term between one and one years.
Georgia Defenses to Hijacking a Bus or Rail Vehicle or Boarding an Aircraft, Bus, or Rail Vehicle with Certain Items
The item was used in the course of employment: Law enforcement officers, peace officers, and other agents are permitted to be in possession of weapons in the course of their employment. Therefore, they will not violate this statute when carrying a weapon if they are using it in the scope of their employment.
The weapon was contained in baggage inaccessible to passengers and had been declared to transportation agency: There is an exception under the statute for weapons that have been previously reported to the transportation agency and were stored in baggage where passengers were unable to possess the weapon.
Express permission from the owner of the private plane, bus, or rail vehicle: If the accused was traveling on a private bus, rail vehicle, or plane and can provide evidence of consent from the owner to carry the weapon, that will be a defense to this crime.
Defense of self or others: O.C.G.A.§ 16-12-129 states that an action based out of defense of self or others will be a defense if charged under O.C.G.A. § 16-12-123. While this may appear to be easy to prove, it is, in fact, very difficult. If the alleged crime was committed in defense of others or self, you need an experienced Georgia hijacking a bus or rail vehicle attorney.
These are just some of the numerous Georgia criminal defenses that could be applied to your case. Every case is different, and there are plenty more arguments we can make on your behalf. Call now, and we will start preparing your best defense!
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been charged with Hijacking a Bus or Rail Vehicle or Boarding an Aircraft, Bus, or Rail Vehicle with Certain Items in Georgia, contact us now. We will immediately start preparing your defense. We promise to walk you through every step of the criminal process and update you of your options as we go. We care about your future and ensure your rights will be protected. Remember, a charge is not the same as a conviction. Call now for a free case evaluation.
