Car Theft in Virginia

Car Theft in Virginia is Punished with up to 20 Years in Prison

Car theft in Virginia is taking a car from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property and is a form of Grand Larceny.

Proof of  Virginia Car Theft

Since a car theft in Virginia is a form of Grand Larceny, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny to convict an offender of car theft in Virginia.  Grand Larceny is taking property valued at more than $200, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person valued at $5 or more, without consent.

Penalty for Car Theft in Virginia

Car theft in Virginia is a form of Grand Larceny and is punished the same way.  Car theft in Virginia is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

Is Car Theft the Same as Carjacking?

Car theft charges and Carjacking charges in Virginia both involve stolen vehicles, but have important differences.  Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) is stealing a car by force, does not require intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, and is punished with up to life in prison.

Click here for more information on a Virginia Carjacking charge.

Click here for more information on the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Virginia.

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