Carjacking vs. Grand Theft Auto in Virginia
July 31, 2019 by Jean Humbrecht
Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) and Grand Theft Auto in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) sound the same, but these crimes actually have important differences. Read the post below for information on Carjacking vs Grand Theft Auto in Virginia.
Carjacking vs Grand Theft Auto in Virginia
Carjacking and Grand Theft Auto in Virginia Have Important Differences
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 by force or violence with the intent to permanently or temporarily deprive another person of possession or control.
Grand Theft Auto in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) is the unauthorized taking of another person’s car with the intent to permanently deprive the other person of his property.
Carjacking vs Grand Theft Auto in Virginia: Intent
Carjacking in Virginia requires an intent to permanently or temporarily deprive another person of possession or control of a motor vehicle, but Grand Theft Auto in Virginia requires proof that the offender intended to permanently deprive an owner of his motor vehicle.
Carjacking vs Grand Theft Auto in Virginia: Force or Violence
To convict an offender of a Virginia Carjacking charge, the Commonwealth must prove the offender used force or 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 Grand Theft Auto charge.
Carjacking vs Grand Theft Auto in Virginia: Penalty
Carjacking in Virginia is punished with a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison, but Grand Theft Auto does not require a minimum prison sentence, and is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.