From serious felonious charges to misdemeanor cases, criminal attorneys in Marietta, GA, assist people facing criminal charges every day. Have you recently found yourself in the hot seat for writing a hot check? If so, you may want to call a criminal defense attorney right away to save yourself frustration, money, and to protect your good name. What Is a Bad Check? Not everyone writes a bad check thinking they are breaking the law. In fact, many times so-called bad checks are written with good intentions. For example, you write a check to pay your property taxes and expect your direct deposit to cover the cost of the check but forget that you had automatic withdrawals scheduled to leave your account. Simple mistake, right? It is if you take care of the returned check right away. The problem is that sometimes the bank fees and vendor fees associated with returned checks can add up, and it can make it hard for some people to make good on the check. This is when a minor problem can turn into a major criminal offense. People who find themselves facing criminal charges for writing bad checks, generally, fall into one of two categories: • Individuals who made an honest mistake, but for various reasons can no longer pay the amount due. • Individuals who purposely write bad checks for goods or services knowing that they do not have the funds to cover the check. Why You Need a Lawyer If you are unable to make restitution (make good on the check) right away, you should call a lawyer. The longer you wait to pay the debt, the more suspicious your actions look and the more likely it is that the company will take legal action to get their money back. Some companies may go the civil route to get the money back you owe them. They may use collection agencies or try to sue you in court. Other companies may automatically refer your case to the prosecuting attorney for review. Once the case is under review by the prosecutor’s office, your case has the potential for being tried in criminal court. When your bad check is presented to the prosecutor’s office, you will be made aware of this fact and, usually, be given one last chance to pay the amount on the check and any fees that are associated. If you are unable to do this, you’ll need a criminal defense attorney to represent you during your case. Most first offenses are misdemeanors and do not result in an arrest warrant unless you don’t show up for your scheduled court date. However, checks written over a certain amount, can carry felony penalties no matter whether it is your first offense or not. To protect your rights, it’s always best to contact an attorney regardless of the situation. Choosing an Attorney There are many criminal attorneys in Marietta, GA, but not all of these attorneys are skilled at handling bad check cases. Make sure you choose an attorney with the right experience to help you get the best solution possible.
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