Bad Checks

cjudkins · #1 12-01-2005, 05:03 PM

Don't know if this is the right forum, but I will try here too..

Hello I am new here, and I thought I would see what you guys thought of my situation. I will make this short...
July - Beginning of August wrote some checks that did not clear because a deposit that did not go through. Cascading effect and now I was served court papers for the amount of 1800,court costs,filing costs etc..
None of the checks go over the amount of 120 dollars, and there is multiple checks. I am supposed to call a 800 # and I need to know if I can fight this and plea not guilty, or plea guilty and see what happens.
As far as my background goes, I am 22 years old not a single traffic violation or ticket on my record. Very clean record... Should I get a lawyer and try to lessen charges? Also I need to know if this would be considered criminal,civil or federal charges and what I would be facing if charged...

cjudkins · #2 12-01-2005, 05:44 PM

Anybody?? :?:

Mr. Knowitall · #3 12-01-2005, 10:25 PM

Patience is a virtue.

You don't give any information about the prosecution or exact charges, but small bad checks are usually prosecuted at the local level (state charges, county prosecutor).

You should consult a local lawyer, or request that one be appointed to represent you if you cannot afford a lawyer. If you can, get the money together to pay restitution on the bad checks.

defendantBefree · #4 12-01-2005, 10:41 PM

For a bad check case, it is clear what you have to do, just pay the damn checks that bounced, and keep track of all payments.

Do not pay a lawyer, for what? Just keep in touch with the local police "bad check division." Every dept (or jurisdiction) has one. Any idiot can do this, if you have income or money to pay. you can even negotiate with the amount (to some extent). However, the longer you let it go, the interest builds up. Just don't run away from this, it will get worse.

beancounter · #5 12-01-2005, 11:01 PM

Likely you will be faced with a class c misdemeanor...which you may be able to get expunged depending on state laws...however you don't have to get an attorney...at worst you may have to do a walk through at the jail if you post bond or you may be able to pay the check and some lower court fees...call and ask.