Law Office of Michael L. Fell
900 Roosevelt Irvine, CA 92620
(949) 585-9055

Can You Face Charges for Bouncing a Check?

While paying by check is no longer the norm, and many stores no longer accept checks, it is not entirely out of favor. For example, grocery stores often still accept checks. If a person writes a check that does not clear their bank, they could end up facing prosecution via the bad checks law of California.

Keep reading to learn more and if you are charged with this or another theft crime, contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation. We can help you find the best way forward that protects your reputation.

Bouncing a Checks Is Not Always a Crime – But It Can Be

If you are surprised to learn that bouncing a check is a crime, that may be become it is not always a crime – it all depends on the intent. If you write a check against an account you know is closed, or if you know it has insufficient funds, then you can be charged under the bad checks law. Note that you do not even have to have been successful – simply trying to pass a bad check can get you in trouble.

On the other hand, if you write a check that you believe is valid and it bounces, you will face fines from the company you wrote the check to, but it should not qualify as a criminal act.

Have You Made an Innocent Mistake? Don’t Get Punished for It

If you are accused of writing a bad check but it was an honest mistake, do not panic – just contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell. Attorney Fell can help get the evidence that proves you did not have the intent to defraud anyone. Ideally, this will result in the charges being dropped. Some of the types of evidence that could prove you did not have criminal intent includes:

  • The check was post-dated to a date at which the funds would have cleared
  • You believed you had overdraft protection
  • You warned the payee that you did not have sufficient funds and they agreed to hold the check for later
  • The bank was closed or overdrawn because of a bank error
  • Someone else stole your checkbook and wrote the check

These are just a few of the ways in which we may be able to help you fight the charges you are facing.

Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney Today for Your Free Legal Consultation

Now is the best time to contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for your free legal consultation. We will listen to your case, consider the evidence, and give advice on the best possible way to move forward. We have years of experience and treat every case as a priority. Call now and let us get started working for you.