Passing bad checks in Florida is a criminal offense in violation of Florida Statute 832. Conviction carries substantial penalties, including jail time, fines, forced repayment, the loss of your professional license, tough Florida probation terms, and a criminal record.
If you are facing charges of writing worthless checks, contact an Orlando defense attorney at the TK Law Firm today for a free legal consultation. An experienced lawyer will explain the charges against you and how you can fight to have the charges reduced and in some cases dismissed.
If you showed bad judgment in a time of financial stress, or simply made a banking error and are accused of passing bad checks, do not take chances with the court system on your own. We are often able to get the charges dropped altogether for first time worthless check offenders. Our attorneys also work to resolve first time offense cases through Florida’s Worthless Check Diversionary Program.
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
For cases where bad checks are written with the intent of malicious or dishonest behavior, our criminal attorneys will raise a defense strategy to either prove your innocence or position you for the least severe sentence possible should you be convicted.
Our criminal defense attorneys are ready to defend you, whether you cashed a worthless check intentionally to get cash to pay an overdue mortgage bill, or you and your colleagues executed an elaborate fraud to steal from your company or non-profit.
Bad Checks in Florida: Felony or Misdemeanor?
Issuing a bad check in an amount less than $150 is considered a first degree misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in jail, up to 12 months of probation, and fines of up to $1000.
Issuing a worthless check or stopping payment on a check with the intent to commit fraud, in the amount of $150 or more, is a third degree felony offense punishable by fines up to $5,000 and up to 5 years imprisonment.
If you wrote bad checks in conjunction with other crimes, such as Medicare fraud or credit card fraud, the penalties can be even more intense. Failure to appear in court on worthless check charges can result in the suspension of your driver’s license and a warrant for your arrest.
Defending Charges of Writing Bad Checks in Florida
The Orlando criminal defense team at the TK Law Firm can help you come to terms with the charges and craft a sound, credible defense strategy. There are many ways we can defend you against worthless check charges, including:
- Lack of proof you received goods or property in exchange for the bad check
- You did not know that you were writing a worthless check; you believed sufficient funds were available and you made a mistake with no intent to be dishonest;
- You assumed the bank would cover insufficient funds with overdraft protection;
- The payee knew in advance through prior arrangement that the check was worthless.
- The payee delayed in depositing the check
- Bank error
Other determining factors may apply depending on your case:
- Did you engage in multiple criminal acts or use the proceeds from the bad checks to purchase a weapon or buy drugs?
- What evidence can you generate to show that you acted out of financial desperation or lack of knowledge?
- What evidence exists linking you to bad checks and to the intent to commit the fraud?
Speak with an experienced Florida attorney at our firm today.
Call 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376).
The Orlando criminal defense attorneys at the TK Law Firm will fully investigate your situation to develop the strongest defense to the charges against you. Depending on the evidence, we can work to get the charges pled down or dismissed entirely.
We are a full spectrum law firm – that is, we have a vast in-house infrastructure to assist with investigations and provide diverse support. We are also well known for taking difficult cases to court; we do whatever it takes to get our clients fair, just and effective results.
Orlando Bad Checks Lawyers, Ready to Fight For You
Just because you made an error, no matter how big or unwise, does not mean you must suffer for life.
Perhaps you made a misjudgment borne out of financial desperation. Or perhaps you got involved with the wrong business partner or associate. The TK Law Firm is here to help you deal quickly and resourcefully with the intense challenges you face. We will fight for your rights, your reputation and your future.
Call us now at 855-Kramer-Now (855-572-6376) to discuss your charges. We provide evening appointments and also offer credit card and payment plans.