Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax
September 9, 2015 by Jean Humbrecht
Car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax sound the same, but they are actually very different offenses. Both crimes involve taking another person’s vehicle, but the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax is the amount of force used, the offender’s intent, and the penalty range.
What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax?
There are several differences between car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax, and the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of the particular crime in order to convict an offender of either car theft or Carjacking in Fairfax.
Car Theft
Car theft in Fairfax is a form of Grand Larceny, which 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.
Carjacking
Carjacking in Fairfax 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 the other person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.
One Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax is the Penalty
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Force
Car theft in Fairfax is stealing a car, and Carjacking in Fairfax is stealing a car by using violence. An offender can be convicted of car theft in Fairfax without any proof of force or violence being used to take the vehicle. However, to convict an offender of a Fairfax Carjacking charge, the Commonwealth must prove that force or violence was used to take possession or control of a vehicle.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Intent
A car theft in Fairfax requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, but a Fairfax Carjacking charge can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive a person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Penalties
Car theft in Fairfax can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. Carjacking is much more serious and can be punished with up to life in prison.