Felony Charge: Entering an Auto

[elizabethmgon]

Well, my friend was recently involved with an incident with the law. His two friends had the idea of trying to enter cars to steal items, and pressured him into driving. It was not at all my friend's idea, he was simply the driver. So he had driven his friends to a location, and one guy attempted to get into a car.

The home owner came out, and started chasing the one guy who tried to get into the car first. My friend then chased after the guy, and his reason is because he would of felt guilty for leaving his buddy behind. Even though it would of been better to drive off. Then the cops came and arrested all three guys.

One was released due to being a minor, but both my friend and his buddy are still in custody. My friend was simply in the car, and was aware of the crime that was going to be committed. The only person that actually attempted to go through with the plan was his other friend. Currently, they both have a felony and a loitering charge. The cops don't have much on my friend, only the fact that he was the driver.

Does anyone have an idea how long his punishment may be? Or the possibility of probation?

[PTPD22]

Well, you don't say what state this incident occurred in or what the specific charges are against your "friend" so I cannot guess as to what punishment he might be facing. However, you seem to be grossly downplaying your "friend's" involvement. He was not just an innocent tag along. He was a full and active participant in the criminal activity. He drove the other participants to the crime scene with the full knowledge of the intended crime and with the intention of facilitating the escape from the crime scene. That by itself is enough to make him a full accomplice in the crime. But, then you friend chased the crime victim who came out to protect his property? Your friend is lucky that he is not charged with robbery!...or, maybe he is. You don't say what the charges are. But, contrary to your stated belief, the cops DO have quite a bit on your friend and not just as "the driver" or that he was "simply in the car." Your friend is in deep and needs a lawyer...now!

[elizabethmgon]

He chased after his friend, not the property owner. And this occurred in GA. Also, I am fully aware that he is not innocent, and I mentioned how he was fully aware of being involved with a crime. He has a loitering charge and a felony for entering an auto, it is still unclear.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You have indicated that this is a robbery charge - that suggests carjacking. Give us the actual name of the charge and the associated statute number.

[flyingron]

What is unclear?

16-8-18. If any person shall enter any automobile or other motor vehicle with the intent to commit a theft or a felony, he shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than one nor more than five years, or, in the discretion of the trial judge, as for a misdemeanor.

You enter a car with the intent to commit a theft (either of the car or the contents), you're guilty of a felony.
The only thing that might give him hope is that throwing a misdemeanor loitering charge in may indicate the case against him might be a little weak.
He definitely needs a lawyer.