Bounced 2 checks by accident, can I go to jail even if I pay them?

Question

I had two checks bounce by accident, both worth under $15. I did this on Friday and I am going Monday to deposit money in the bank to cover them. Can I still go to jail? Or no, as long as I replace the money?

Answer 1

No. But make sure you deposit enough to cover the excessive bank charges they will take from your account, or you could end up bouncing more checks. Good luck.

The only time the authorities become involved is when the payee notifies you of the NSF and you refuse to make good on it. Even then, you wouldn't go to jail just be forced to make good on the check, pay the other guy's legal fees, your legal fees and a fine. Larger amounts would be another story.

Answer 2

Depositing the money to cover the checks and the returned check fees is good, but you also need to immediately contact the people or businesses you bounced them on and get that end squared away pronto. "Mr Jones, this is Mary Smith. I am calling to tell you that the $15 check I wrote you last Thursday did not clear the bank and it will be coming back. I have made another deposit --- would you mind redepositing my check? Thanks very much" bla bla bla. This is seen as responsible, not evading the issue.

Business owners understand that checkbook mistakes occur, and if they are contacted by the person before the bounced check notice gets to them, they are always quite willing to work it out. Should not be a problem. Even if a so-called victim wanted to press charges against you, there aren't any district attorneys I can think of who would go into court with a pair of $15 bounced checks and a contrite check writer.

Also ---- look at your checkbook system and see where you made the error, so you won't do it again. If all you ever bounce are two $15 checks, you are doing OK.

Answer 3

In order to have you jailed for this the people you wrote the checks to would have to press charges. For the amounts you mention, most won't. Just make sure that you put enough money in the bank to cover the checks and any fees that come about because of this.

Answer 4

Hey, years ago I used to bounce checks all the time. If you have overdraft protection, they will cover the checks, but charge you about $18 to $25, depending on you bank. Just put some money in on Monday.

Answer 5

You won't go to jail for this, unless you have a history of similar behavior. However, in legal terms committing the offense is what gets you put in jail, not making restitution. So paying the money back after issuing fraudulent checks doesn't cancel out the original crime.

For this amount, no-one is going to prosecute, especially since you are fixing the problem.

Answer 6

It's possible, but only if it looks malicious on your part. So we're talking several checks, all of large amounts.

2 at under $15 there is about 0% chance. Just gotta pay the fees is all.

Answer 7

No, you won't go to jail for bounced checks. Unless you have an outstanding warrant for some other activity.

Answer 8

not while you're prepared to make sturdy on the tests. oftentimes the tests pass into sequence formerly going to courtroom. the sequence brokers attempt to make you pay All up front. however the courtroom will assist you to pay back at some smart fee. the super ingredient is to maintain information you tried to make the tests sturdy. deliver grant in writing receipt required shop reproduction etc... they might press expenses yet they gained't get very a techniques in case you attempt to do the best ingredient.

Answer 9

My understanding is if you make it right, you are fine. I suggest contacting the persons who you bounced the checks to .

Answer 10

As long as you replace the money and pay any fees associated within a few days you should be o.k.