Many times, California prosecutors do charge minors, who are first time offenders, with joyriding, rather than charging them with grand theft auto, which is a more serious offense. Of course, the charges a minor will face depend on several factors, including: How long the accused planned to keep the vehicle. The circumstances surrounding the theft of the vehicle. If any crimes were committed while using the stolen vehicle. Whether the minor has a previous criminal record. How old the minor is. If the minor was driving or was a passenger in the stolen vehicle. If the vehicle was an ambulance, law enforcement, or fire department vehicle. And more…