- Home
- Criminal Matters
- Case Records
- Criminal Division
- Deposit Account Fraud
Deposit Account Fraud
Definition
Checks written without sufficient funds in the bank to cover them or written on a closed account. Most "bad checks" provide grounds for a civil lawsuit; however, some form the basis for criminal action.
Jurisdiction
The Magistrate Court handles the issuance of warrants for the offense of deposit account fraud (bad checks).
Venue
For the prosecution of the offense of deposit account fraud is the county in which the check was delivered.
Filing Fee
The filing fee is $20 per warrant. Multiple checks from the same defendant that are less than $100 and within 90 days of each other may be processed on the same warrant for no additional fee.
Procedures for Filing a Bad Check Warrant
The Clerk of Magistrate Court provides forms required for a bad check warrant (PDF). An applicant may appear in person in the office of the Clerk of Magistrate Court to complete the paperwork. All forms mailed must be completely filled out, properly signed and notarized. To understand the steps to pursue a bad check claim, refer to Deposit Account Fraud Steps (PDF).
Identification of the Defendant
Since the application may result in the issuance of an arrest warrant, proper identification of the defendant is required. In order for an application to be processed, the applicant must provide at least one of the following identifiers for the defendant: date of birth, social security number or a driver's license number.
To pursue Criminally, the following documentation is required at the time of the filing with the Magistrate Clerk:
- The bad check (original copy from bank)
- A copy of the 10-day letter (PDF) that you mailed certified to the customer
- Certificate of Notification (PDF): this form is used to certify that you mailed a 10 day letter.
- Certified Receipts or Returned Certified Letter
- A completed Bad Check Application (PDF)
- $20.00 for each check you are submitting for over $100 each
Statute of Limitation
The Statue of Limitations is two (2) years for a misdemeanor and four (4) years for felonies. (Any checks in the amount over $500.00 or an out of state check are considered a felony).
Resource
- I have received a bad check. What can I do?
- Can I pursue criminal prosecution of a bad check?
- What are the elements of the offense of deposit account fraud?
- Where should the offense of deposit account fraud be prosecuted?
- What reasons for dishonor of the check will support a criminal prosecution?
- What is meant by present consideration?
- What steps should be taken to ensure a bad check can be collected?
- What information should I bring to court to start prosecution?
- Are there forms that I must fill out?
- What is a bad check citation and in what situation is it issued?
- What is a bad check arrest warrant and in what situation is it issued?
- Where are deposit account fraud cases tried?