My question involves criminal law for the state of: Florida and Kentucky
Lived and worked in Ky.
Flew to Fla, rented car for one day, the next day I called and extended car rental to a week to drive home to Kentucky for a one way drop off. They gave my friend the keys, let her pick out the car, and let her drive out of the lot after checking our paperwork on video.
Initially had no other authorized drivers. Added one the next day on phone, but was later told this was invalid as was not in writing. Made payment.
Kept car the week, drove home second day. My friend, left to turn the car in at the end of the rental period. This was person I mentioned above. She did not. She was supposed to be going away with boyfriend for a few days on way to turn car in. Two days later, I am advised she had not. It took me another day to get her to respond to me. She stated the car was left with the keys in it, and must of been stolen. She said she had been hospitalized and was unable to turn it in due to illness. She said she almost died.
She sent others to look for it.
I was notified she had not turned it in, by 2 letters, addressed to my residence in Ky, advising it be turned in to the nearest office, which would of been Ky. She did not notify me of any of these events. The car company did not call me. I was notified by these letters, then contacted by an investigator. When notified, I immediately contacted the police, the sheriff, and the county attorney. I also gave a report to the airport police in Fla. They refused to file a report under Ky law, they said I had gifted her the car. They refused to let her once I made contact with her and got her side of it. They said the car company had to do it, as they were the owners. The car company refused, insisting Fla law required me to obtain it. The Ky police stated They were not bound by Fla law. I offered to pay the rental monthly until the car could be found. They refused. I reported it to my insurance, who informed them they needed them to report it and confirmed the police would not file a report. They filed a stolen car report in fla against me after they spoke to my insurance company. They stated I rented the car and disappeared. The police officer also stated I had disappeared. Both parties denied knowledge or communication with me. A sheriff came to my home and spoke with me about it. People I worked with were questioned. Nothing happened in Ky. Fla filed a warrant for my arrest with specific intent of fraud/failure to return a hired vehicle. They and their investigator spoke to me many times...
I was not notified of the warrant. I was informed that they would pursue video at the place of theft and notify me of any changes.
6 months later, I find out she has the car when I am on vacation in SC. She is driving the car. I contact the police in Ky. They said they would look into it. A week later, she is still driving the car. Others in Ky report it to the police with no arrest or intervention. I contact Fla. They do not respond. The investigator called me back. Within one hour of him calling the police in Ky, they arrested her with the car. Initially, they refused extradition. They enforced extradition after I helped them locate the car.
I was transported to Fla and face a 3rd degree felony. I spent a month in jail. I have never been in any trouble. I have witnesses and emails.
My questions are:
Do I have a civil case for suit?
What state would be proper for this to be heard in? Who has jurisdiction?
Thank you in advance for your input.

