Can I get arrested for not returning a rental car in Nevada?

Yes. Failing to return a rental car in Nevada amounts to embezzlement.

Embezzlement in Nevada is wrongfully taking property that you have been legally entrusted with, such as a rental car. If the rental period has expired and the renter has not returned the car, the renter faces arrest for embezzlement.

Note that a key element of the Nevada crime of embezzlement is “intent to steal.” Merely forgetting to return a rental car on time is not a crime. As long as the prosecutor cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to permanently deprive the rental company of the car, embezzlement charges should not stand.

The penalties for intentionally failing to return a rental car in Nevada depend on the value of the car.

Value of car	Nevada sentence
Less than $1,200	Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months in jail, and/or Up to $1,000 in fines, and Restitution
$1,200 to less than $5,000	category D felony 1 – 4 years in Nevada State Prison, and restitution payments, and $5,000 fine (at the judge’s discretion)
$5,000 to less than $25,000	category C felony 1 – 5 years in Nevada State Prison, and restitution payments, and $10,000 fine (at the judge’s discretion)
$25,000 to less than $100,000	category B felony 1 – 10 years in Nevada State Prison, and restitution payments, and $10,000 fine
$100,000 or more	category B felony 1 – 20 years in Nevada State Prison, and restitution payments, and $15,000 fine

Read more information about the Nevada crime of embezzlement (NRS 205.300).