Equipment rental

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Equipment rental

Rented some equipment from a local rental
place. I returned the equipment but got laid
off so didnt have enough money to full cover it
for the remaining 200. Theyre saying that they
are going to have me arrested for theft, can
they do that?

Asked on January 10, 2018 under Criminal Law, Georgia

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 6 years ago | Contributor

No, that is not theft if you are willing to pay but cannot pay due to some change in your circumstances. Theft requires a criminal "mens rea," or state of mind: that is, an intention to steal. You can certainly be sued for this money, since you agreed to pay it but did not--lack of intent is no defense to a civil lawsuit for nonpayment--such as in small claims court, but based on what you write, this is not a criminal act.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption