What is A Carjacking in Manassas?
July 26, 2017 by Jean Humbrecht
Carjacking in Manassas is considered a theft crime and a violent crime. It is similar to other theft and violent crimes in Virginia, but Carjacking is a very serious felony and is punished with up to life in prison. If you are wondering, “What is a Carjacking in Manassas,” read the post below.
What is A Carjacking in Manassas?
A Carjacking in Manassas is stealing a car by force. To convict an offender of a Carjacking charge in Manassas, the Commonwealth must prove:
- intentional seizure
- of control or possession
- of a motor vehicle
- by violence
- with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive
- another person of possession or control
What is A Carjacking in Manassas Penalty?
A Manassas Carjacking charge under Va. Code §18.2-58.1 is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.
It is also possible to be convicted of Carjacking in Manassas and other crimes based on the same conduct, such as Robbery (Va. Code §18.2-58) or Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (Va. Code §18.2-53.1) and receive consecutive prison sentences.
What is A Carjacking in Manassas Compared to Grand Theft Auto?
Carjacking and Grand Theft Auto are both car theft. Carjacking is stealing a car by force, but Grand Theft Auto does not need to include force. Additionally, Carjacking can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive an owner of his property, but Grand Theft Auto requires intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property. Finally, a Manassas Carjacking charge is punished with a MINIMUM of 15 years up to LIFE in prison, whereas Grand Theft Auto can be punished with a fine and no jail time up to a MAXIMUM of 20 years in prison.
For more information on the difference between Carjacking and Grand Theft Auto in Virginia, click here.
What is A Carjacking in Manassas Compared to Robbery?
Robbery in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-58) and Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) are very similar crimes. Robbery is theft by force or violence, and Carjacking is car theft by violence. To convict an offender of Robbery, the Commonwealth must prove the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property. However, a Carjacking charge in Manassas can be proven with intent to permanently or temporarily deprive an owner of his vehicle. Additionally, both charges are punished with up to life in prison, but Robbery is punished with a minimum of 5 years, whereas Carjacking is punished with a minimum of 15 years in prison if convicted.
For more information on the difference between Carjacking and Robbery in Virginia, click here.