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:

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).