Worthless Checks

PASSING WORTHLESS CHECKS IN FLORIDA

Are you being investigated for passing bad checks? Worried about the consequences?

At the Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A., we understand that good people sometimes write bad checks —

• you made an honest mistake,
• you’re in a desperate situation financially,
• your customer promised to pay you and you thought you would have the funds in time to cover your check,
• you needed to keep your business going,
• you had to give your doctor a co-pay before he would see you,
• and many other unexpected situations.

When are you considered to be “passing worthless checks” in Florida?

In Florida, in order for the State to prove you are passing worthless checks the Prosecutor must prove that you

• wrote the check,
• delivered the check,
• with the knowledge that
  • when you wrote the check you didn’t have enough funds in your bank account to cover the amount of the check,
  • and that you KNEW you didn’t have enough money, and
  • you knew you didn’t have an arrangement with the bank for paymebnt of your check when it was presented.

Penalties of Passing Worthless Checks under Florida Law

The penalties depend on the amount of the check itself.

• If it is less than $150, the charge will be a 1st degree misdemeanor (up to one year in jail and / or fines of up to $1,000);
• If it is $150 or more, the charge will be a 3rd degree felony (up to 5 years in prison and / or up to $5,000 in fines)

Possible Defenses to the Criminal Charge of Passing Worthless Checks

• The person who accepted your check (the “payee” on your check) knew that your funds at the bank were insufficient to cover your check; or
• The check was post-dated, or
• You thought you had enough money in your account to cover the amount of the check.

Would you drill your own tooth if you needed a root canal?

While you may have many strong defense options, trying to solve this problem on your own can be a serious mistake… a mistake that could damage you personally and financially. Here’s why…

• Paying the check does not necessarily prevent the prosecution from going forward (Florida Statute provides that payment of the debt is not a ground for dismissal of the charges);
• “Making good” on what you owe may be viewed as admission of guilt by the prosecutor

Even after the prosecution has begun, an experienced attorney can often persuade the prosecutor to drop the charges against you in exchange for the payment of restitution, particularly when one of the above-mentioned defenses can be used in the case.

We help individuals charged with worthless check to make arrangements

Experienced and Aggressive Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer

Whether you are being investigated for passing worthless checks or have already been arrested for passing worthless checks or you have received a letter from the State’s Attorney or the party that took your check, Florida Criminal Defense lawyer Richard G. Salzman will work every angle to get the State Attorney’s Office to drop the charges in exchange for the restitution amount being paid in full.

The Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. handles Worthless check cases as well as other check-related criminal charges. If you have been charged with passing bad checks in South Florida and are in need of personalized representation, The Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. can offer the criminal defense you deserve. Our firm offers years of experience in successfully defending criminal cases throughout South Florida.

The Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. is a well-respected, full service, highly qualified and professional Florida Criminal Defense Law firm located in Hollywood, Florida with a Regional office in Naples, Florida. Richard G. Salzman is dedicated to the aggressive representation and defense of those accused of passing bad checks. The Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. is committed to provide you with the vigorous defense you need. We will aggressively analyze, review and address all of the legal and factual issues and defenses that may arise in your case.

When you retain The Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm of Richard G. Salzman, P.A., you can be assured that The Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. will not only defend your rights, but will help to guide you through the confusing and stressful criminal process. If you were arrested for forgery or passing bad checks, contact The Florida Criminal Defense Law Firm of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. today to discuss your case.

Right Now, Can There Be Anything More Important Than Your Freedom ?

Contact Richard G. Salzman to set up a meeting to discuss your charges and evaluate your case. Mr. Salzman’s first priority is helping you avoid a Worthless Check conviction that can ruin your life!

For your FREE initial case evaluation by phone, Call 855-DUI-GONE (855-384-4663), home of South Florida’s Premier Criminal Defense Law Firm. Learn how Mr. Salzman can help save your freedom.