Accidentally wrote a bad check, has been turned over to TRS.
Date: Sat, 11/05/2011 - 19:29
To make a long story short, the deposit never came and I had written a bad check (it's over $1500 and I live in California). I tried to return the product to the merchant - they said they couldn't take it back and that Telecheck / TRS would be contacting me. I have gotten in touch with them and I've managed to come up with enough to cover a little over half of the original amount - what else can I do? I haven't been able to speak with an agent in a few days. Will I still be turned in for check fraud / charged with a felony? I am doing everything I can to make the rest of what is owed.
The rule is you dont write a check unless you know the funds are
The rule is you dont write a check unless you know the funds are IN the account.
California check laws
California Civil Code section 1719 allows the receiver of a bad check to recover three times the amount of the check, up to $1500, in civil court if sufficient notice is mailed or delivered to the person who wrote the check. The damages are in addition to collecting the value of the check and they could include court and mailing costs. A cause of action under this law may be brought in small claims court, if the claim does not exceed $5,000, or in any other court of jurisdiction depending on the amount of the transaction.
Though you cannot be taken to jail for the bad check, you can be
Though you cannot be taken to jail for the bad check, you can be sued by the person or company who received the check from you. I think you need to talk to the company clearly about this and mention that you are trying your best to make the payment. If possible get the money from family members and friends and pay this off. From next time, please be sure about what is there in your account before writing a check.
Are you kidding me Marvel?? Do you not read the newspapers? Ba
Are you kidding me Marvel?? Do you not read the newspapers? Bad check writing is a chargable criminal offense! From the brief google I just did, under $200 can get you up to a year in county jail. $1500 would most definately be a felony. Have you never heard of "theft by check"?