bad check restitution dept?

Question

My sister is in a terrible mess and she reached out to us (family) for help. I need information on this topic if any one has it. The IRS attached her bank account and all her outstanding checks were returned from the bank. She had this very small check that was turned over to the bad check restitution dept which is handled by the L.A. Dist Attorneys office. she called and tried to make arrangements to pay it and she explained the case worker she wasnt working and she is trying to borrowing money from everyone and she doesnt know when she can pay this, well the case worker didnt really care said she needed to get this money in or other things will happen, the "other things" were not explained and now my sister is a mess. Does anyone know about how this program works? is there anything she can do to get more time? Anyone PLEASE HELP.

Thanks!

Answer 1

I have helped others as an advocate in matters such as this one, and depending on the state, she may be fined or go to jail. you didn't say how much the very small check was, but the bad checks division of any state will do whatever the prosecuting laws allow. She may be fined. Some people that I know were arrested and booked in jail then released on their own recognizance.

Try to get the money together to get a consultation with a lawyer at least. Sometimes they offer free consultations.

Best thing for her to do also is pay the small check directly to the company and have proof that she did, whether it be by certified mail with a return receipt, or take it to the company if the merchant or whoever she wrote the check to is local.

She should also go to the manager of her bank and speak directly and honestly with him or her and explain what happened. The manager can help her by giving her extra time to get the money to cover the other bounced checks or whatever.