Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer

Writing Bad Checks

A check is considered "bad" if it has been written by a person who knows that there are insufficient funds to cover the entire amount of the check, or if it is cancelled by the writer before it can be withdrawn by the receiver. Writing bad checks is a serious offense, and it is recommended that you contact a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer if you have been accused, arrested, or charged with the crime.

California Penal Code Section 476a states that writing a bad check can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the offense. If prosecutors are to successfully convict you, they must be able to prove that there was a lack of sufficient funds at the time you wrote the check, and that you were aware of the deficiency and acted with the intent to defraud. The penalties for a conviction vary, with a misdemeanor charge carrying up to 1 year in county jail, and a felony charge carrying up to 3 years in state prison. Civil penalties may also be accessed under California Civil Code Section 1719. This requires that you pay the full amount of the check to the victim, as well as a statutory service charge or penalty charge.

Legal Help for Bad Check Cases in Los Angeles

With over 70 years of combined legal experience, we at Stephen G. Rodriguez and Associates are fully prepared to defend you against charges of writing bad checks. Criminal charges are a serious matter that must be addressed immediately. We will provide you with swift and aggressive support that is intended to bring about the desired result in your case. Through our efforts, we may be able to have your charges reduced, or eliminated completely.

Contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who can defend you against charges of passing bad checks.