The Consequences for Writing a Bad Check
If you have been charged with writing a bad check, it is most likely the result of a citizen’s complaint. This means that a private citizen, not a police officer or court officer, has filed the complaint against you. In most instances, it is a merchant.
Merchants who are issued a bad check often seek criminal charges to compel you to make good on the check. If you are in this kind of situation, I suggest that you seek legal representation as the consequences of passing a bad check are serious.
The potential consequences of a conviction or a plea of guilty to a bad check charge depends on the amount of the check. The amount of the check will determine whether the bad check charge is a disorderly persons offense, a fourth degree crime, a third degree crime, or a second degree crime:
• If the check is less than $200, you can be charged with a disorderly persons offense. A disorderly persons offense carries up to 180 days in jail.
• If the check is $200.00 or more, but less than $1,000, you can be charged with a fourth degree crime. A fourth degree crime carries up to 18 months in jail.
• If the check is $1000 or more, but less than $75,000, you can be charged with a third degree crime. A third degree crime carries 3 to 5 years in jail.
• If the check is for $75,000.00 or more, you can be charged with a second degree crime. A second degree crime carries 5 to 10 years in jail.
As you can see, a bad check charge can be serious. If you have been charged with issuing a bad check, you need an attorney. Please feel free to contact The Cintron Firm at any of its convenient locations in Ridgefield Park, New Brunswick, Montclair, West New York and Parsippany to discuss your options.