If I rent a car and fail to return it after receiving a notice, what offense am I committing?

When you rent a car and fail to return it after receiving a notice, you are committing Theft of Service. This offense occurs because the rental agreement represents a service provided to you that is expected to be compensated by returning the vehicle within the terms of the agreement. Once you have received a notice indicating that the vehicle should be returned and you do not comply, it demonstrates an intention to deprive the rental company of its property without permission.

The nature of the transaction involves a defined rental service, and by retaining the car in violation of the terms, you effectively infringe upon the company’s right to their property, leading to a situation categorized under Theft of Service. This offense encapsulates the failure to return the rental car after being formally notified, differing from other offenses like fraud or theft, which require elements that are not present in this scenario.