What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia?
February 15, 2018 by Jean Humbrecht
What is the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Virginia? Both crimes involve stolen vehicles, but in fact have important difference. If you are wondering, what is the difference between car theft and Carjacking in Virginia, read the post below.
What is the Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia?
There are several differences between car theft (Va. Code §18.2-95) and Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) in Virginia, discussed in detail below.
Car Theft
Car theft in Virginia is taking another person’s motor vehicle, without consent, with the intent to permanently deprive an owner of his property.
Carjacking
Carjacking in Virginia 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 temporarily deprive another person of possession or control of the motor vehicle.
One Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia is the Range of Penalties
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia: Force
Car theft in Virginia is stealing a car, and Carjacking in Virginia is stealing a car by force or violence.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia: Intent
Car theft in Virginia requires intent to permanently deprive the owner of his property, but Carjacking can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive someone of possession or control of a motor vehicle.
Difference Between Car Theft and Carjacking in Virginia: Penalties
Car theft in Virginia can be punished with up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500. Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1), on the other hand, is punished with a MINIMUM of 15 years up to LIFE in prison.