Can charges be pressed if someone writechecks on an account with insufficient funds?
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Can charges be pressed if someone writechecks on an account with insufficient funds?
I bought a car and own the car dealer $1600; I gave them 2 checks of $800 each.
Asked on December 6, 2010 under Criminal Law, New Jersey
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 14 years ago | Contributor
Yes. Writing or passing a bad check is a crime and each stat has laws that deal with it. Thhere are both civil and criminal penalites for writing bad checks:
Civil Penalties: Face amount of the check, attorney fees, court costs, costs of mailing a demand for payment, and damages in an amount equal to $100.00 or triple the amount of the check, whichever is greater, but not to exceed $500.00.
Criminal Penalties: Up to $1,000 fine or up to one year in jail or both.
I think that it may be best for you to call the dealership and tell them not to cash the checks or to try and see if you can actually deposit money on them to make them "good." Good luck.
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