Check Fraud Attorney In Pasco County
Mistakes happen, and almost anyone can find themselves in a situation where a check bounces due to an honest error. However, if you have been accused of intentionally writing one or more bad checks, the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
New Port Richey Check Fraud Attorney – Call (727) 843-0097
You should contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in check fraud cases as soon as possible in order to avoid or minimize financial and legal consequences as well as damage to your reputation.
What Constitutes Passing A Bad Check Or Check Fraud?
Check fraud is knowingly writing a check that you do not have the funds to cover and obtaining property or services in exchange. There are a number of exceptions that may be used in your defense, but it is important to have the representation of a criminal defense attorney with experience in bad check fraud to represent you.
For example, if an individual can demonstrate that they requested the recipient of a check not to cash the check for a period of time because sufficient funds were not immediately available, a criminal attorney may be able to have the case dismissed as long as the payment is made.
A similar exception is when a check is postdated by the writer indicating to the recipient that there were insufficient funds at the moment the check was written.
I am a criminal defense attorney who lives and works in New Port Richey and have significant experience defending bad check cases. I am committed to protecting the rights and reputations of my neighbors. You will never be treated as a case number, and will always speak directly to me about your case — not to a paralegal or assistant. Don’t take a chance with your future — contact me for a free consultation.
Check Fraud Defense Attorney Can Help Prevent Serious Consequences
The short- and long-term costs and consequences of passing bad checks, or committing check fraud, can be significant. As a criminal defense lawyer in Pasco County, I can guide you through the process of limiting your exposure to these consequences. It is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Some Costs And Consequences Of Check Fraud:
- Banks will charge you fees regardless of whether you intentionally passed a bad check.
- The check recipient can also charge you fees.
- Your name can be placed on a list that can cause problems with writing checks or opening bank accounts in the future.
- In Florida a “worthless check” charge can affect your ability to secure future employment.
- Conviction of passing a bad check up to $150 can be punishable by jail time up to one year in a county jail.
- Conviction of passing a bad check in excess of $150 is a felony punishable by up to five years in state prison.
- Writing several bad checks can be considered a “scheme to defraud,” a serious felony.
How Your Check Fraud Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Frank P. Bianco, P.A., offers a no-cost consultation during which I will review your case and provide counsel regarding your options and best course of action. The earlier your attorney is involved in the process, the better the chance there is to avoid costly and long-lasting consequences.
If you receive a notice from a company that a check was not honored, you should pay the company within seven days and nothing will go on your record. As your attorney, I may also be able to help negotiate a payment plan with the company.
If you do not pay or have not negotiated a payment plan, the company can turn the case over to the state attorney who will notify you of your requirement to pay. You will need to go to the state attorney’s office to make payment. If you do not make this payment within the specified period you will be charged with a crime and will need to contact a defense attorney.
While the primary goal is to have restitution made to the payee, once payment has not been received within 30 days of the demand, significant fines and criminal penalties may be imposed.
If you are convicted of check fraud, your attorney will work on your behalf to attempt to negotiate a diversion program in order to avoid jail or prison time and to reduce the future impact of the conviction. These programs generally consist of a payment plan and probation.