National Investigators Exam (NIE) Practice Exam

What is the legal classification of stealing a car without consent known as?

1. Robbery

2. Carjacking

3. Burglary

4. Theft

The correct answer is: Carjacking

The legal classification of stealing a car without consent is known as carjacking when it involves the use of force, intimidation, or the threat of violence during the act. This crime is specifically defined as the unlawful taking of a motor vehicle from a person or immediate presence through violent means. Carjacking is considered more severe than simple theft due to the direct confrontation with the victim, which can lead to the potential for violence. In contrast, theft refers broadly to the illegal taking of someone else's property without consent, and while it encompasses the act of stealing a car, it does not include the element of direct confrontation or intimidation that characterizes carjacking. Robbery typically involves taking property from someone through force or intimidation but is not limited to vehicles. Burglary involves illegally entering a structure with the intent to commit a crime inside and does not pertain to the taking of a vehicle. Therefore, carjacking is the most accurate classification for stealing a car through force or intimidation.