Virginia Car Theft
May 20, 2016 by Jean Humbrecht
Virginia car theft is taking a car from another person with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property. Virginia car theft is a form of Grand Larceny in Virginia and is punished the same way.
Proof of Virginia Car Theft Under Va. Code §18.2-95
Since a Virginia car theft is a form of Grand Larceny, the Commonwealth must prove all of the elements of Grand Larceny to convict an offender of a Virginia car theft charge under Va. Code §18.2-95. Grand Larceny 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.
Car Theft is a Form of Grand Larceny in Virginia
Therefore, to prove a Virginia car theft, the Commonwealth must prove:
- a taking
- of a motor vehicle
- from another person
- without consent
- with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property
Penalty for Virginia Car Theft
Since a Virginia car theft charge is a form of Grand Larceny, it is punished the same way. A Virginia car theft charge under Va. Code §18.2-95 is punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
Is Car Theft the Same as Carjacking?
Car theft charges and Virginia Carjacking charges both involve stolen vehicles, but have important differences. Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) 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 Carjacking in Virginia, click here. For more information on the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Virginia, click here.
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