Carjacking vs. Robbery in Virginia
March 3, 2018 by Jean Humbrecht
Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) and Robbery in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-58) are very similar crimes. Carjacking is car theft by violence, and Robbery is theft by force or violence. For more information on Carjacking vs Robbery in Virginia, read the post below.
Carjacking vs Robbery in Virginia
Carjacking and Robbery in Virginia can both involve car theft by force or violence. There is, however, a difference between Carjacking and Robbery in Virginia.
Carjacking
One Difference Between Carjacking and Robbery in Virginia is the Minimum Penalty
Carjacking in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) is basically stealing a car by force. It 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 temporarily deprive another person of possession or control.
For more information on Carjacking in Virginia, click here.
Robbery
Robbery in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-58) is taking personal property from a person or his presence by violence, force, threats or intimidation, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
For more information on Robbery in Virginia, click here.
Carjacking vs Robbery in Virginia: Property Stolen
To convict an offender of Carjacking in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove the offender stole a motor vehicle. Robbery, however, covers any personal property stolen from a victim’s person or in his presence. Therefore, if the item stolen was a motor vehicle, the offender can be charged with Carjacking or Robbery.
Carjacking vs Robbery in Virginia: Intent
Carjacking in Virginia can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive the owner of his vehicle. However, to convict an offender of Robbery, the Commonwealth must prove the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
Carjacking vs Robbery in Virginia: Penalty
Both Robbery and Carjacking are punished with up to life in prison, but Carjacking starts at a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted and Robbery is punished with a minimum of 5 years.