Facing Criminal Charges for Not Returning a Rental Car?

If you’ve failed to return a rental car on time, you may face criminal embezzlement charges under Nevada law. Here’s what you need to know if you’re accused of not returning a rental vehicle in Las Vegas NV. 

Is Failure to Return a Rental Car a Crime in Nevada?

Under Nevada law, you can be charged with rental car embezzlement if you take, convert, or appropriate a rental car with the intent to steal it or defraud the rental car company, or use the car for any purpose other than the purposes for which the rental car company lent you the car. 

Will I Get Charged with Rental Car Embezzlement Right Away?

Rental car companies typically will not contact the police to report you for stealing a rental car as soon as the agreed-upon rental period expires. Instead, the rental car company will likely contact you to request you return the vehicle. It may charge your credit card late fees for each day you fail to return the car, provided the rental agreement you signed when you rented the vehicle gives the company that right. However, after enough time has elapsed, the company may assume that you do not intend to return the vehicle willfully and may contact the police to report you for stealing the car. 

Consequences of Not Returning a Rental Car

If you fail to return a rental car in Nevada and ignore the rental car company’s calls, you may face a charge of embezzlement. Rental car theft constitutes a Category C felony under Nevada law, which carries a penalty of one to five years in state prison and a potential fine of up to $10,000. Courts can also impose restitution as part of a sentence for a rental car theft conviction, which requires you to reimburse the rental car company for the fair market value of the stolen vehicle and other financial losses incurred by the company, such as lost income from not having the vehicle available to rent. 

Legal Defenses for Rental Car Charges

Are you facing criminal charges for failing to return a rental car in Nevada? Here are some potential defenses that could apply to you:

• You returned the car to one of the rental car company’s locations, but the employees failed to record that you returned the vehicle.
• The vehicle broke down, and you contacted the rental company to retrieve the vehicle, but the company failed to get the car and instead recorded the vehicle as not returned. 
• You extended your rental period, but the rental car company failed to update its records. 

How a Nevada Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

A Las Vegas criminal defense attorney from Adras & Altig, Attorneys at Law, can help you face a charge of rental car embezzlement by:

• Thoroughly investigating your case, including obtaining records from the rental car company that may prove your innocence
• Evaluating your legal options and preparing you for what to expect during your case
• Contesting the prosecution’s case by filing motions to exclude evidence or dismiss your charges
• Vigorously pursuing the best possible resolution in your case, whether that means getting the charges dropped, entering a plea bargain, or going to trial

If you’re facing criminal charges over not returning a rental car, get the legal help you need to defend your rights and future. Contact our criminal defense law firm today for a confidential and free case evaluation with a rental car theft attorney to discuss your options for resolving your charges. 

This post was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in May 2024.