Chicago Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking Defense Attorney
Facing charges of aggravated vehicular hijacking in Chicago is one of the most serious legal situations a person can encounter in Illinois. Prosecutors pursue these charges aggressively, and the penalties include lengthy mandatory prison terms—even up to natural life in some cases.
If you or a loved one has been charged under 720 ILCS 5/18-4, contact Chicago criminal defense attorney Phil Haddad immediately. We provide relentless defense strategies and fight to protect your freedom and future.
What Is Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking in Illinois? (720 ILCS 5/18-4)
Aggravated vehicular hijacking builds upon the standard offense of vehicular hijacking (720 ILCS 5/18-3), which involves taking a motor vehicle by force or the threat of force. However, aggravated vehicular hijacking adds additional elements that significantly enhance the severity of the crime.
Under Illinois law, a person commits aggravated vehicular hijacking if they commit vehicular hijacking and any of the following circumstances apply:
Aggravating Factors That Elevate the Charge:
- The victim is a person with a physical disability or is 60 years of age or older.
- A child under the age of 16 is a passenger in the vehicle at the time.
- The offender is armed with a dangerous weapon other than a firearm.
- The offender is armed with a firearm during the offense.
- The offender discharges a firearm while committing the offense.
- The offender discharges a firearm and causes great bodily harm, permanent disability, disfigurement, or death.
Key Differences Between Vehicular Hijacking and Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
| Vehicular Hijacking (720 ILCS 5/18-3) | Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking (720 ILCS 5/18-4) |
|---|---|
| Class 1 Felony (4–15 years) | Class X Felony (minimum 6 years, up to life) |
| Force or threat of force | Involves additional aggravating factors such as weapons, vulnerable victims, or injury |
| Probation possible (rarely) | No probation — mandatory prison time |
| No mandatory firearm enhancement | Firearm use adds 15, 20, or 25-to-life depending on conduct |
Penalties for Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
This offense is always a Class X felony, the most serious felony class in Illinois short of first-degree murder. Specific penalties depend on the aggravating factor:
- Subsections (a)(1) & (a)(2): 6 to 30 years in prison.
- Armed with dangerous weapon (a)(3): Minimum 7 years.
- Armed with firearm (a)(4): Add 15 years.
- Discharges firearm (a)(5): Add 20 years.
- Discharges firearm causing injury or death (a)(6): Add 25 years to natural life.
These sentences are mandatory and non-probationable, meaning you will serve time if convicted.
Why You Need a Chicago Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking Attorney
Given the life-altering penalties at stake, it is absolutely critical to have an experienced and aggressive Chicago criminal defense lawyer representing you. Attorney Phil Haddad has defended countless clients charged with serious violent felonies and will immediately begin building your defense by:
- Challenging the use of force allegations or weapon possession claims
- Examining surveillance, witness testimony, and police reports for inconsistencies
- Filing motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence
- Exploring all avenues for reduction or dismissal of charges
We fight to show that the aggravating factors do not apply—or that the prosecution cannot prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Serving Clients Throughout the Chicago Area
We represent individuals charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking in Cook County and the greater Chicago area, including:
- Chicago, Cicero, Oak Lawn, Berwyn, Skokie, Markham, Maywood, Bridgeview, and Rolling Meadows.
Call Phil Haddad – Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney for Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
When your freedom is on the line, don’t take chances with your future. Phil Haddad is a battle-tested Chicago criminal defense attorney who knows how to challenge aggressive prosecutors and protect your rights in and out of court.
Call today at 708-833-3505 for a free, confidential consultation.