How much jail time can a person receive for a bounced check?

Answer 1

one bounced check? none fool!

Answer 2

It depends on how large the amount of the bounced check and who you bounced it on. It's up to the business you bounced the check with whether they want to prosecute you or not. Where I live, anything over $500 can get you a little bit of jail time. A bounced check CAN get you jail time. Don't let anyone fool you. My best friend served a week in the county jail for a bounced check and had to pay court costs, the cost of the bounced check, bank fees, etc. It's a fact, and she wasn't a habitual check bouncer.

Answer 3

You don't go to jail for a bounced check the jails are to full for petty stuff like that. But if your out there passing bad checks and you have done it before you may spend a few months and a fine to pay.

Answer 4

Call your local State Attorney's Office and let them know you are inquiring about jail time for Worthless Checks....If you have just one bounced check make good on it with your bank and or the merchant before it's too late-

I believe in order to actually get jailed for worthless checks you have to have a history of continued fraudulent check writing, not sure-
Again, I suggest you call your State Attorney's Office for an accurate answer-

Answer 5

In the eyes of the law a bounced check IS a bad check and the penallty is determined on a case by case basis. It can carry up to a twelve month sentence and a $500 fine (in SC) but is rarely enforced to such extreme on a first offense.
You need to consult the Code of Law for your state. You can find it online and it will tell you exactly what the penalties can be.

Answer 6

None. If you wrote a check for something, and didn't have the money to cover it, you'll have to pay the people the amount, and they'll probably never take a check from you again (or for a while). If this is a problem for you, go to a bank that has overdraft protection, so it's taken care of and doesn't bounce. They usually take money out of savings to cover the check so it doesn't bounce.

Answer 7

Depends on how big a bounce it was. If it was a minimal amount, a fine and suspended sentence. If it was like a 5 figure check, it could be a felonious attempt to steal property or services.

Answer 8

I hate to say it but this is a lot of anguish to go through over a measly $150 (the initial amount). It's terrible that the law isn't doing anything but there isn't always justice in life. Also, small claims court is civil court. That's why they didn't arrest her for not showing up. Contempt of court only applies to criminal court. You could have her beaten up but you might end up in trouble. I hope your boyfriend understand all the mistakes he made, beginning with writing a check for $150 when he only had $22 in his account. In today's society, you need an emergency fund of at least $1000 no excuses. Most people say you need at least 3 months of living expenses in case you lose your job.

Answer 9

Depends on the state. Some states have made it a civil matter. Which means the bearer of the check can sue you for the amount of the check and up to treble damages and court costs.

However, it can become a criminal matter if you continue to do so knowing that the checks you write are bad.

Peace.

Answer 10

If this is a check that you did NOT cover, or attempt to take care of in full by contacting the payee, you can be charged up to 3 times the amount of that check. If you do this often and do not clear them up, then you could have to go before the court if the Payee/s press charges and / or contact the Police.....

Answer 11

a bounced check isn't jail time. you are just then responcible for paying any fees and the total amount of the check. my mother in law bounces checks all the time and she hasn't been arrested her account is just $400 in the hole.
But don't get me wrong you write a large check and it bounces then there can be penalties. small checks like to the power company or the grocery store aren't going to get you jail time it's just going to cost you in bank fees and any fees the company you made the check out to will charge you. I think it's 25 dollars for a returned check and then the bank can charge pretty much anything. I also live in Las Vegas, NV and laws are different in each state.