Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas
March 15, 2016 by Jean Humbrecht
Carjacking and car theft in Manassas sound the same, but they are in fact very different offenses. Both crimes involve stolen vehicles, but the difference between Carjacking and car theft in Manassas is the intent of the offender, the amount of force used, and the minimum and maximum penalties.
What is the Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas?
There are several differences between Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) and car theft (Va. Code §18.2-95) in Manassas, and the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of the particular offense charged in order to convict an offender of either Carjacking or car theft in Manassas.
Carjacking
A Manassas Carjacking 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 someone of possession or control of that motor vehicle.
Car Theft
Car theft is a form of Grand Larceny in Virginia. Therefore, to convict an offender of car theft in Manassas, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny. 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.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas: Intent
Carjacking in Manassas can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive someone of possession or control of a motor vehicle, but car theft in Manassas requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas: Force
One Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas is Whether Violence was Used
Carjacking in Manassas (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) is stealing a car by force or violence, and car theft (Va. Code §18.2-95) is merely stealing a car.
To convict an offender of Carjacking in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-58.1, the Commonwealth must prove that force or violence was used to take possession or control of a vehicle.
However, an offender can be convicted of car theft in Manassas under Va. Code §18.2-95 without any proof of force or violence being used.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Manassas: Penalties
Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) is a very serious offense and is punished with a MINIMUM of 15 years up to LIFE in prison. Car theft in Manassas can be punished with anywhere from no time in jail up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.