Carjacking vs Car Theft in Virginia
October 20, 2017 by Jean Humbrecht
Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) and car theft in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) sound the same, but are very actually very different. For information on Carjacking vs car theft in Virginia, read the post below.
Carjacking vs Car Theft in Virginia
Carjacking in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) 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 another person of possession or control.
Car theft in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) is taking another person’s car, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive the other person of his property.
Carjacking vs Car Theft in Virginia: Intent
One Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia is the Penalty
Carjacking in Virginia requires an intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive another person of possession or control of a motor vehicle, but car theft requires proof that the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his motor vehicle.
Carjacking vs Car Theft in Virginia: Violence
To convict an offender of Carjacking in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove the offender used violence to obtain possession or control of a motor vehicle. However, an offender does not need to use any force or violence to be convicted of a car theft.
Carjacking vs Car Theft in Virginia: Penalty
Carjacking in Virginia is punished with 15 years up to life in prison, but car theft in Virginia is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.