Criminal Defense Attorneys in Fort Myers, Florida

Under Florida law, a person who knowingly issues worthless checks may be harshly prosecuted. The penalties for issuing worthless checks may include fines and fees, as well as potential imprisonment. At Finebloom & Haenel, we can advise you of your rights and options if you or someone you know has been accused of writing bad checks.

In Florida, a person or company given a worthless check may demand payment through the use of a formal written notice. The notice will inform the issuer of the check that it was dishonored and that he or she has 7 days from the date of that notice to pay the full amount of the check, in addition to a service fee. Depending on the amount for which the check was written, this service fee may be $25, $30 or $40, or up to 5% of the value of the check if it was valued at more than $300.  If the issuer does not pay this amount in full within 7 days, he or she may face civil and criminal charges. If civil action is taken against the issuer, he or she may face financial penalties of up to three times the amount of the check, as well as attorney fees, court costs and bank fees. If criminal action is taken, a worthless check offense may be charged as a felony if the value of the check is $150 or more, or a misdemeanor if the check is valued at less than $150. 

Accused of Writing Worthless Checks? Contact an Attorney

If you or someone you know has been accused of writing bad checks, consulting a criminal defense attorney will be in your best interest. Whether you have just received a notice that your check was dishonored and have only 7 days to pay, or if a civil or criminal lawsuit has already been filed against you, you will need aggressive representation by an experienced lawyer if you are to avoid a conviction and therefore serious financial and criminal penalties.

Facing worthless check charges in Fort Myers or anywhere in Lee County? Contact a criminal defense lawyer at Finebloom & Haenel today.