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Check Fraud (Bad Checks)
Manchester NJ Ocean County Bounced Check Attorney
A bad check can result in much more serious consequences than most individuals foresee when it is presented for payment. Writing a bad check of just $200 results in a felony criminal offense at the Ocean County Superior Court in Toms River that can land you in prison. And even a municipal court charge for a bad check of less than $200 results in a record and the possibility of up to 6 months in jail. A skilled attorney should certainly be retained by anyone hoping to avoid such an outcome for issuing a bad check in Jackson, Brick, Berkeley, Toms River, Manchester or elsewhere in Ocean County. At Marshall & Bonus, we have successfully represented clients charged with fraudulent check violations for decades. These results are achieved as a result of our 100 plus years of collective experience serving the region and extensive familiarity with the court system. In fact, Matthew Dorry is an attorney with the firm and has served as prosecutor in over 15 Ocean County municipalities. A lawyer on our defense team is available immediately to discuss your charge in a free initial consultation by calling (732) 286-6500.
Bad Checks & Check Fraud in Ocean County
A person can be charged with a Bad Check offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5 if he or she issues or passes a check or money order, knowing that it is invalid and will not be honored by the back or entity from which it was drawn. There is a presumption of knowledge that the check was bad and would not be honored if: (1) the account was closed when the actor wrote the check; (2) the actor had no account when the check was written; (3) if the person who wrote the check fails to make good and cover the check within 10 days of notice that he/she bounced the check. The penalties and grading of this offense vary depending on the value of the check or money order written as follows:
| Amount of Check | Grade | Fine | Incarceration |
| Under $200 | Disorderly Persons Offense | Up to $1,000 | Up to 6 Months County Jail |
| $200 to $999.99 | Fourth Degree | Up to $10,000 | Up to 18 Months Prison |
| $1,000 to $74,999.99 | Third Degree | Up to $15,000 | Up to 5 Years Prison |
| $75,000 or More | Second Degree | Up to $150,000 | 5-10 Years in Prison |
Stafford Township Bad Check Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with writing or passing a bad check in Stafford, Barnegat, Seaside Heights, Lakewood, Little Egg Harbor or elsewhere in Ocean County, you would be well served in consulting with a defense attorney at our firm. Our lawyers are highly knowledgeable in this offense and will provide you with the guidance that you absolutely need to escape a criminal record and the penalties that can result from a conviction. To speak to one of our attorney anytime 24/7, contact our Toms River Office. Attorneys are available by telephone by calling (732) 286-6500.