What is the Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia?
November 9, 2015 by Jean Humbrecht
What is the difference between Carjacking and car theft in Virginia? Carjacking (Va. Code §18.2-58.1) and car theft in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) sound the same, but are actually very different. If you are wondering, what is the difference between Carjacking and car theft in Virginia, read the post below.
What is the Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia?
Carjacking and car theft in Virginia both involve stealing another person’s car. There is, however, a difference between Carjacking and car theft in Virginia.
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 even temporarily deprive another person of possession or control.
Car Theft in Virginia
Car theft in Virginia (Va. Code §18.2-95) is taking another person’s car with the intent to permanently deprive the other person of his property.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia: Violence
What is the Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia: Possible Penalties
To convict an offender of Carjacking in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove the offender used force or violence to obtain possession or control of a motor vehicle. However, an offender does not need to use any force or violence to be convicted of a car theft in Virginia.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia: Intent
A Carjacking conviction in Virginia can be proven with intent to permanently or even temporarily deprive another person of possession or control of a motor vehicle. However, to convict an offender of car theft in Virginia, the Commonwealth must prove that the offender intended to permanently deprive the owner of his property.
Difference Between Carjacking and Car Theft in Virginia: Penalty
Carjacking in Virginia is punished with a minimum of 15 years up to life in prison, but car theft in Virginia is punished with anywhere from no jail up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.