Car Theft Charges in Virginia

Car Theft charges in Virginia criminalize taking a car from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  Car Theft charges in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) are considered a form of Grand Larceny and are punished the same way.

Proof of Car Theft Charges in Virginia

To convict offenders of Car Theft charges in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny, which is taking property worth more than $200, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person worth $5 or more without consent.

Car Theft Charges in Virginia Can be Punished with up to 20 Years in Prison

Therefore, to convict an offender of Car Theft in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-95, the Commonwealth must prove:

• an unauthorized taking
• of a motor vehicle
• from another person
• with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his motor vehicle

Penalty for Car Theft Charges in Virginia

Car Theft charges in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-95 are punished with up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $2,500.

Are Car Theft Charges the Same as Carjacking Charges in Virginia?

Car Theft charges in Virginia and Carjacking charges in Virginia both involve stealing a car, but these crimes have important differences.  Carjacking in Virginia involves using force or violence to take a motor vehicle and an offender can be convicted of a Virginia Carjacking even if he only intended to temporarily deprive another person of the use or control of a motor vehicle.   Additionally, a Virginia Carjacking charge is punished with a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison.

For more information on Virginia Carjacking charges, click here.

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

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