I made a mistake, and accidentaly bounced a check here in New Hampshire. I had a bad experience with this landlord and removed myself from the living situation knowing an eviction was emminent due to lack of funds to pay landlord. I found a new place, and went about my business, beeing foolish to not resolve the open issue. An arrest warrant was issued, i posted PR bail with a court date for this coming wednesday... Now i know that i do rightfully owe the money, and i am willing to pay whatever to end this thing, my only concern is jail time. I have never been arrested before, and i have never bounced a check before, i have even wrote this landlord several before that were fine... so im not a criminal, im not a bad person, i made a mistake, in this case a bad one. with no criminal past and a first in this case, is it likely to face jail time? it just doesnt seem right, but who knows maybe i will get a judge that wants to set an example... please help, im just getting all freaked out...
2006-12-04 01:17:16 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Oh no... this is only getting worse. I just contacted the prosecutor to get the details about the process and what i need to know, and apparently this is a Class B felony, not misdemeanor... as was written on the court appearance papers i was handed when arrested... its gotta be over now, if i have to serve time i will lose my new job, my new living place, just everything... wow i dont even know what to say
2006-12-04 05:37:12 · update #1
Writing a bad CHECK in the Us is Different than writing a Bad CHEQUE in CANADA, If you had an account but insufficient funds then the judge will probably order restitution, Probation, and possibly Community service. If your account was closed that you wrote the check on then you could easily receive some jail time even though it is a first offense. I would suggest contacting the State Attorney and seek some type of diversion program after paying the amount you admit you owe, it would be to your advantage to go ahead and pay the landlord before you go to court, that way you can show the judge you are remorseful and wish to make amends for your mistake. If your landlord accepts the check then they may not wish to see you prosecuted and request the State attorney drop the charges!!
2006-12-04 01:37:56 · answer #1 · answered by FEVER 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in New Hampshire also and have accidentally bounced checks before as well. You should contact the Legal Advice and Referral Center 800-639-5290 in NH for assistance.
You should pay off the bounced check ASAP. I believe the bill and charges would go to collection agencies as well. If you can't pay the bill off all at once, make arrangements to pay it off.
If you are scheduled to go to court take ALL of you documentations with you and have a summary written up about the events. Also remember to bring a COPY of your lease! Include copies of any correspondence you have had with your landlord. Keep a log of all phone calls if you made any. Have a lawyer assist you with this process because they may find a way to help you further. (Contact: Legal Advice and Referral Center)
The judge may just order for you to make payment installations on a set schedule. Then the judge would tell your former landlord to contact the courts if you miss a payment.
2006-12-04 05:03:28 · answer #2 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Send a registered letter to the landlord offering to work out a payment plan. If he declines you can bring the letter to court and explain that you want to pay what you owe you did not have the money. Make it a civil issue and not criminal. Talk to an attorney first though.
2006-12-04 01:32:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
More than likely NO you will not do jail time. Why didnt you answer the DA's summons to pay the check though ?? You will more than likely have to pay for the check plus court costs so bring Cash money. They will not accept a check from you.
To ashletina: Here in America we spell it Check not cheque.
2006-12-04 01:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by JohnRingold 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a haircut,wear your best threads,cover up your tattoos,yes sir and no sir the judge to death,gladly say you will pay your fine and apologize to that asshole landlord in front of the judge,say you are very sorry for taking up the judges precious time, and you should walk out without even probation,but that's just me talking........
2006-12-04 01:25:22 · answer #5 · answered by studdmuffynn 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will have to come up with a lot of money or some free time to spend with the good old boys downtown.
2006-12-04 01:24:01 · answer #6 · answered by 3DDD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a good lawyer. By the sound if it, however, you might not be in that much trouble, but a lawyer is the best way to go. Good Luck.
2006-12-04 01:20:57 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it concerns me you don't know how to spell cheque... yet you have the authority to write them...
2006-12-04 01:21:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋