Virginia Grand Theft Auto Charge

July 9, 2015 by Jean Humbrecht

A Virginia Grand Theft Auto charge can result from taking another person’s vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property.  A Virginia Grand Theft Auto charge is a form of Grand Larceny and is punished the same way.

Proof of Virginia Grand Theft Auto Charge
virginia grand theft auto charge

A Virginia Grand Theft Auto Charge is Punished with up to 20 Years in Prison

Since a Virginia Grand Theft Auto charge is a form of Grand Larceny, 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 worth more than $200 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 someone of a Virginia Grand Theft Auto charge, the Commonwealth must prove:

  • a taking
  • of a motor vehicle
  • from another person
  • without consent, and
  • an the intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property
Penalty for Virginia Grand Theft Auto Charge

Grand Theft Auto in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-95 is punished the same way as a Virginia Grand Larceny charge, with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.

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

Grand Theft Auto and Carjacking charges in Virginia both involve car theft, but are very different.  Carjacking is stealing a car by force or violence, does not require intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property, and is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.

Click here for more information on a Virginia Carjacking charge.

Click here for more information on the difference between Grand Theft Auto and Carjacking in Virginia.

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