Car Theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax

Car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax are often confused, but these crimes actually have important differences.  For more information on car theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax, read the post below.

Car Theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax

Car theft in Fairfax is taking another person’s car, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.

Carjacking in Fairfax is the intentional seizure of a motor vehicle or seizure of control of a motor vehicle of another by violence with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive the other person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.

Car Theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax: Force

One Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax is the Use of Force to Take a Motor Vehicle

An offender can be convicted of car theft in Fairfax without any proof of force or violence being used.  However, to convict an offender of Carjacking in Fairfax, the Commonwealth must prove that force or violence was used to take possession or control of a motor vehicle.

Car Theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax: Intent

A car theft in Fairfax requires intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property, but a Fairfax Carjacking charge can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive a person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.

Car Theft vs Carjacking in Fairfax: Penalties

Car theft in Fairfax can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. Carjacking is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.