Manassas Car Theft Charges

Manassas Car Theft charges (Va. Code §18.2-95) criminalize taking a car from another person.  Car Theft in Manassas can be charged under the Grand Larceny statute (Va. Code §18.2-95) or under the Carjacking statute (Va. Code §18.2-58.1).

Proof of Manassas Car Theft Charges

Manassas Car Theft Charges Can be Charged as Grand Larceny or as Carjacking

Car Theft charges in Manassas can be considered a form of Grand Larceny (Va. Code §18.2-95) and are punished the same way.  Grand Larceny is taking property worth more than $200, without consent, with an intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property or taking property from a person worth $5 or more without consent.  Therefore, to convict offenders of Manassas Car Theft charges under Va. Code §18.2-95, the Commonwealth must prove:

• an unauthorized taking
• of a motor vehicle
• from another person
• with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his motor vehicle

However, a Car Theft charge becomes much more serious if the offender used force to take a motor vehicle.  Carjacking in Manassas is the seizure of a motor vehicle or seizure of control of a motor vehicle from another person by force or violence with the intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive another person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.  This offense can be punished with up to LIFE in prison.

Penalty for Manassas Car Theft Charges

Manassas Car Theft charges under Va. Code §18.2-95 are punished with up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $2,500.

Manassas Carjacking charges under Va. Code §18.2-58.1 are punished with 15 years up to life in prison.

Are Manassas Car Theft Charges the Same as Manassas Carjacking Charges?

Manassas Car Theft charges and Manassas Carjacking charges both involve stealing a car and these crimes are often confused.  However, they have important differences.  Carjacking involves using force or violence to take a motor vehicle and an offender can be convicted of a Manassas Carjacking even if he only intended to temporarily deprive someone of possession or control of a motor vehicle.   Additionally, Carjacking in Manassas is punished with a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison.

Click here for more information on Manassas Carjacking charges.

Click here for more information on the difference between Manassas Car Theft charges and Manassas Carjacking charges.

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