If I wrote a bad check and will cover it within the next few days, will I get into trouble?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
If I wrote a bad check and will cover it within the next few days, will I get into trouble?
It was for less than $100. I was supposed to get paid to cover the check but something happened and the check was returned to the grocery store. I got charged a fee from the bank but can I get in trouble over this?
Asked on November 17, 2010 under Criminal Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
If by "trouble" you mean criminally, technically yes you could have problems. However, the reality is that the store will probably just notify you that the check was returned and ask you to come in and pay in cash or money order (plus a bounced check charge). Once you do this the matter will end. If you do not make good on what you owe, then the store will proceed on this most likely as a civil matter. This means that they can sue you in small claims, put a collection agency after you, and/or ruin your credit. They will also notify one of the major check clearing systems so that you will probably be unable to cash checsk in the future (other than at your bank). And again, there is the potential for a criminal charge. To make your life simple, take care of this ASAP. For such a small sum its not worth all of the "trouble" not paying will cause you.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.