Alleged Carjacking and Kidnapping Reported This Weekend in Gwinnett County

There is an ongoing search as of this morning for a young man who was allegedly the victim of a carjacking in Gwinnett County.

A witness reported that Neil Frasdilla was in a karaoke bar parking lot when two men pointed a handgun at him and forced him to drive the two of them in his car. The car has not been located as of later this afternoon.

Gwinnett County police are asking for anyone to come forward if they have information.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the offense of carjacking in our state so as to better explain what has been reported as occurring in Gwinnett County.

Carjacking in Georgia

Carjacking in Georgia also referred to legally as hijacking a motor vehicle in Georgia is defined by the Georgia Code as:

A person commits the offense of hijacking a motor vehicle when such person while in possession of a fireman or weapon obtains a motor vehicle from the person or presence of another by force and violence or intimidation or attempts or conspires to do so. O.C.G.A. §16-5-44.

By law, in order to commit the crime of hijacking a motor vehicle, a weapon or firearm must be involved. Firearms include handguns, rifles, shotguns, tasers, stun guns, etc. A weapon is an object or device that when used against another person is likely to result in serious bodily injury or death.

Carjacking is classified as a felony in Georgia. The penalty can include between ten to twenty years in prison and a fine between $10,000 and $100,000.

Practice Note

If the reports are true, then the two suspects will also be facing charges of kidnapping in Georgia. Felony charges should never be taken lightly.

If you or a loved one has been arrested in Georgia, contact a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney today. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us now.