SB 88, introduced by Senator Tallian, increases the crime of conversion when it involves a leased motor vehicle. Conversion, is sort of theft’s younger brother in the realm of criminal offenses. Theft requires some sort of intent to deprive a person of the value of their property. Conversion requires only that a person exercise unauthorized control over the property of another.
Normally, conversion is a Class A misdemeanor. Under SB 88, the penalty would be increased to a Class D felony if it involved a motor vehicle worth more than $5,000 for which the person signed an agreement specifying its return at a certain place and time if the person fails for more than 10 days to return the property (or 5 days after a written demand is served on the renter.)
Current law also has enhancements to conversion of motor vehicles if they are used to commit a crime.
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