Vehicle Hijacking Defense Lawyer serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and ALL of Missouri.

Combs Waterkotte is the leading Vehicle Hijacking Defense Law Firm serving St. Louis, Kansas City, and the entire state of Missouri.

Vehicle Hijacking Defense Lawyer in Missouri

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Passed in 2020, Missouri’s vehicle hijacking law imposes severe penalties on anyone convicted of forcibly taking control of a vehicle. The experienced Missouri criminal defense and theft lawyers at Combs Waterkotte understand the high stakes involved in these cases. With extensive resources and deep knowledge of Missouri law, we fight for dismissals, acquittals, charge reductions, and the protection of your future.

Laws Against Vehicle Hijacking in Missouri

While many states classify theft into separate crimes like fraud, auto theft, and larceny, Missouri uses a single comprehensive stealing statute to handle all theft-related offenses. Historically, this meant auto theft was handled under the same statute as shoplifting or embezzlement.

But vehicle hijacking is fundamentally different because it involves taking an occupied vehicle, which creates substantial danger to the driver and passengers. Recognizing this, Missouri passed a dedicated vehicle hijacking statute in 2020. This law blends elements of robbery and stealing to create a standalone felony offense with serious consequences.

What Is Vehicle Hijacking in Missouri?

Vehicle hijacking occurs when someone knowingly uses or threatens physical force to seize control or possession of a vehicle from another person.

The term “vehicle” includes almost all motorized, wheeled vehicles—including cars, ATVs, motorcycles, and trucks—except:

• Trains
• Motorized wheelchairs
• Electric or motorized bicycles

What Counts as Physical Force?

Missouri statutes don’t define “physical force,” so courts use its ordinary meaning. Physical force can include:

• Punching
• Kicking
• Pushing or pulling
• Shooting
• Stabbing

The law also includes threats of force. A person can be charged with vehicle hijacking even if they never physically touch the driver—as long as they make a credible threat, such as threatening to shoot unless the victim exits the vehicle.

Aggravating Circumstances for Vehicle Hijacking

Prosecutors may seek enhanced penalties if the alleged hijacker:

• Caused serious physical injury
• Carried a deadly weapon
• Used or threatened a dangerous instrument
• Displayed what appeared to be a weapon
• Took a vehicle with a child or “special victim” inside

Vehicle Hijacking and First-Degree Robbery in Missouri

Vehicle hijacking with aggravating circumstances closely parallels first-degree robbery. Under Missouri law, first-degree robbery involves forcibly stealing property while:

• Causing serious physical injury
• Being armed with a deadly weapon
• Using or threatening a dangerous instrument
• Displaying what appears to be a deadly weapon
• Stealing a controlled substance from a pharmacy

However, there is an important distinction: robbery requires proof that the force used was intended to overcome the victim’s resistance or coerce them into surrendering property. Vehicle hijacking does not require this specific element—making it easier for prosecutors to pursue a conviction.

Related Missouri Theft & Vehicle Crime Defense Pages

Vehicle Hijacking Lawyer in Missouri

Motor Vehicle Tampering Lawyer in Missouri

Theft/Larceny Lawyer in Missouri