What classification of crime is carjacking?

Carjacking is classified as a felony due to the serious nature of the crime, which involves the violent theft of a vehicle. This act not only encompasses the unlawful taking of someone else's car but often involves the use or threat of force to intimidate the victim, potentially leading to injury or trauma.

Felonies are characterized by their severity and the corresponding higher penalties, which can include imprisonment for over a year, substantial fines, and long-term repercussions on an individual's criminal record. In contrast, misdemeanors, violations, and infractions are less severe offenses, typically punishable by less severe penalties such as shorter jail terms or fines, neither of which aligns with the nature of carjacking. Hence, the classification as a felony reflects the seriousness and implications of such criminal conduct in society.