Car Theft Charge in Virginia

A Car Theft charge in Virginia criminalizes taking a car from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  A Virginia Car Theft charge is a form of Grand Larceny and is punished the same way.

Proof of Car Theft Charge in Virginia

A Car Theft Charge in Virginia is a Serious Crime

Grand Larceny in Virginia is taking property valued at more than $200 with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person valued at $5 or more.  Therefore, to convict an offender of a Car Theft charge in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove:

• a taking
• of a motor vehicle
• without consent
• from another person
• with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property

Penalty for Car Theft Charge in Virginia

Since a Car Theft charge in Virginia is a form of Grand Larceny, it is punished the same way.  A Car Theft charge in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-95 is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

Is a Car Theft Charge in Virginia the Same as a Carjacking Charge in Virginia?

A Car Theft charge in Virginia and a Carjacking charge in Virginia both involve taking another person’s vehicle.  However, these crimes have important differences.  Carjacking is using force or violence to take a motor vehicle from another person and an offender can be convicted of Carjacking even if he only intended to temporarily deprive someone of possession or control of a motor vehicle.  Additionally, Carjacking in Virginia is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.

For more information on Carjacking in Virginia, click here.  For more information on the difference between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia, click here.

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