Writing Worthless Checks

South Florida Writing Worthless Checks Criminal Defense Lawyer

The writing of a worthless check can create a cycle of additional worthless checks, resulting in substantial losses to the merchants involved. To curb that cycle, the State of Florida has made the writing of worthless checks a crime punishable by up to five years in state prison, for amounts of $150 or more, and up to one year in prison for lesser amounts. If you write a check, or use a debit card, knowing that the account has insufficient funds, you may be charged with writing a worthless check. Paying the merchant back for the dishonored amount later is not a defense.

The key is “knowingly.” To convict under the worthless checks law, prosecutors must show that the person charged knew the payment would not be honored. This can be difficult to prove, especially because many people end up overdrawn by accident. A skilled Fort Lauderdale worthless checks criminal defense attorney can help defendants prove that they made an honest mistake with no intent to defraud any merchants.

If you have been charged with writing worthless checks, don’t wait to speak with an experienced Palm Beach worthless checks criminal defense lawyer. Call the downtown Miami Law Offices of Menachem M. Mayberg, P.A., for a free, confidential consultation on your case. Seven days a week and 24 hours a day, you can reach us online or call us at (305) 695-8750.

For further reading, see Florida Statute 832.05: Giving worthless checks, drafts, and debit card orders.