What is A Carjacking in Virginia?
A Carjacking in Virginia is the Intentional Seizure of Control of Another Person’s Motor Vehicle by Force
To convict an offender of a Carjacking charge in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove:
- 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 Virginia Penalty?
A Carjacking charge in Virginia under Va. Code §18.2-58.1 is punished with 15 years up to life in prison.
It is possible to be convicted of Carjacking in Virginia 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 be punished with consecutive prison sentences.
What is A Carjacking in Virginia 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 temporarily deprive an owner of his property, but Grand Theft Auto requires intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property. Finally, Carjacking in Virginia is punished with up to LIFE in prison, whereas the punishment for Grand Theft Auto is a maximum of 20 years.
For more information on the difference between Carjacking and Grand Theft Auto in Virginia, click here.
What is A Carjacking in Virginia Compared to Robbery?
Robbery (Va. Code §18.2-58) and Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) in Virginia 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 conviction in Virginia 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 Robbery and Carjacking in Virginia, click here.