[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/juvenile-joyriding-car-theft\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/juvenile-joyriding-car-theft\/","headline":"How Much Jail Time Can a Juvenile Get for Stealing a Car?","name":"How Much Jail Time Can a Juvenile Get for Stealing a Car?","description":"Any juvenile who commits a crime in Nevada may face serious penalties in the juvenile justice system as a result. A conviction of any juvenile crime may have consequences that follow a minor for years, but how much time could … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a>","datePublished":"2020-12-16","dateModified":"2025-10-29","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/author\/steven\/#Person","name":"Steven Altig","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/author\/steven\/","identifier":44,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a8d8cd32c2a03a35c529399beae2d69e526d6d06274a6324512ec563b98bd7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a8d8cd32c2a03a35c529399beae2d69e526d6d06274a6324512ec563b98bd7f5?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/adras-daltig-law-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/adras-daltig-law-logo.png","width":437,"height":92}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/driving-in-Vegas-scaled.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/driving-in-Vegas-scaled.jpeg","height":1707,"width":2560},"url":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/juvenile-joyriding-car-theft\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":669,"articleBody":"Any juvenile who commits a crime in Nevada may face serious penalties in the juvenile justice system as a result. A conviction of any juvenile crime may have consequences that follow a minor for years, but how much time could a teen potentially get for stealing a car?Below, we\u2019ll explore this topic and potential defenses that could be used in a juvenile auto theft case. Read on or call us to find out more. We offer free and confidential consultations.\u2018Joyride\u2019 Versus \u2018Grand Theft Auto\u2019Regardless of the value of a particular car, there is no such thing as the \u201cpetty theft\u201d of an automobile. That means almost all forms of car theft are legally considered grand theft auto. Grand theft auto cases typically involve accusations of a person taking or attempting to take another individual\u2019s car without the intention of returning it to the owner.Like many states, however, Nevada makes a distinction between grand theft auto and joyriding.Joyriding is a type of property crime, referred to as the \u201cunlawful taking of a vehicle\u201d in the Nevada Penal Code. In the eyes of the law, the main distinction between joyriding and grand theft auto is that in cases of joyriding, the person who takes a car does so without intending to keep it.Can a Juvenile\/ Teen Go to Jail for Stealing a Car?Grand theft auto is generally considered a more serious offense than joyriding, though the differences between each type of crime are subtle.If you have been accused of grand theft auto, a juvenile criminal defense attorney can build a case to demonstrate that you had no intention of stealing a vehicle you may have taken. If successful, this could have a significant impact on the charges or sentences you may face.Juvenile offenders are considered \u201cdelinquents\u201d rather than criminals, though the punishments they may face for violations are often similar to those imposed on adults who are convicted of crimes. While juveniles convicted of theft are rarely sent to adult penitentiary facilities, they may very well be sentenced to time in juvenile detention if they are found guilty.What Are Grand Theft Auto Penalties for a Juvenile?Depending on the unique nature of your juvenile grand theft auto case, a conviction could lead to one or more of the following legal penalties:Fines \u2013 Common for juvenile theft crimes, but typically smaller than adult fines.Restitution \u2013 Payment for damages caused by juvenile violations.Counseling \u2013 Psychiatric therapy, evaluation, or commitment.Probation \u2013 Temporary, court-ordered supervision outside of detention facilities.Detention \u2013 Part-time or full-time confinement in a youth center or juvenile home. The court has the flexibility to determine a length of time that it deems appropriate.Potential Defenses to Car Theft ChargesNo matter how serious the allegations you face, an experienced Nevada juvenile criminal defense lawyer can help you craft a compelling defense and provide the best chance at a favorable outcome.Some possible defenses your attorney may pursue for your juvenile car theft charges involve:Consent \u2013 If you can establish that you had the car owner\u2019s consent to use or relocate their vehicle, you may be able to show that you committed no crime.Intent \u2013 You may also be able to prove that you did not intend to permanently remove the car from the owner\u2019s possession, in which case your crime may be simple joyriding rather than grand theft.Other issues may be involved in your case as well. For example, there could be problems with the way the police investigated the case that could lead to key evidence being thrown out.Talk to a Juvenile Criminal Defense Lawyer NowAny Nevada minor facing juvenile charges of grand theft auto or joyriding has the right to a compassionate and effective legal defense. If you or your minor child has been charged with auto theft in Las Vegas, NV reach out to criminal defense lawyers Adras & Altig by phone or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"How Much Jail Time Can a Juvenile Get for Stealing a Car?","item":"https:\/\/www.adrasandaltiglaw.com\/juvenile-joyriding-car-theft\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]