What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax?

What is the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax?  Although these crimes sound the same, they actually have very important differences.  If you are wondering, what is the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax, read the post below.

What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax?

There are several differences between car theft and Carjacking in Fairfax, including the use of force, the offender’s intent, and the range of penalties.

Car Theft

Car theft in Fairfax is taking another person’s motor vehicle, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property.

Carjacking

Carjacking in Fairfax is the intentional seizure of a motor vehicle or seizure of control of a motor vehicle of another by violence with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive the other person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.

difference between car theft and carjacking in fairfax

One Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax is the Penalty

Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Force

An offender can be convicted of car theft in Fairfax without any proof of force or violence being used to take the vehicle.  However, to convict an offender of a Fairfax Carjacking charge, the Commonwealth must prove that force or violence was used to take possession or control of a vehicle.

Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Intent

car theft in Fairfax requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, but a Fairfax Carjacking charge can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive a person of possession or control of a motor vehicle.

Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Fairfax: Penalties

Car theft in Fairfax can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.  Carjacking is much more serious and can be punished with up to life in prison.

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