Grand Theft Auto Charge in Virginia

March 5, 2017 by Jean Humbrecht

A Grand Theft Auto charge in Virginia criminalizes taking a car from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  Grand Theft Auto is a form of Grand Larceny in Virginia and is punished the same way.

Proof of Grand Theft Auto Charge in Virginia

A Grand Theft Auto charge in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) is a form of Grand Larceny.  Therefore, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny to convict an offender of a Virginia Grand Theft Auto charge.  Grand Larceny is taking property (valued at more than $200) without consent and with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person valued at $5 or more without consent.

To convict an offender of Grand Theft Auto in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove:

  • a taking
  • of a motor vehicle
  • without consent
  • from another person
  • with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property
grand theft auto charge in virginia

A Grand Theft Auto Charge in Virginia is a Form of Grand Larceny

Penalty for Grand Theft Auto Charge in Virginia

A Grand Theft Auto charge in Virginia is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

Is a Grand Theft Auto Charge in Virginia the Same as Carjacking?

A Grand Theft Auto charge in Virginia and a Carjacking charge in Virginia both involve car theft, but have important differences.  Carjacking is stealing a car by force or violence, does not require intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, and is punished with a minimum of 15 years in prison.

For more information on a Virginia Carjacking charge, click here.  For more information on the difference between a Grand Theft Auto charge in Virginia and a Carjacking charge in Virginia, click here.

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