In Florida, writing a check when you know that you don’t have the funds to cover it in your bank account is a criminal offense. If you use a debit card or check card, you can also be charged under this law.
However, if you are a first time offender, you may be able to enter a diversion program to avoid a criminal record. The best result in these cases is getting the criminal charge dismissed outright.
Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Palm Beach
Florida worthless check convictions come with harsh penalties, and a successful defense against any worthless check charge takes someone with in-depth knowledge of the many aspects of a worthless check case. If you have been accused of writing a worthless check in Riviera Beach, Royal Palm Beach, Lake Worth, Greenacres, or Palm Beach Gardens, take the important first step of your Palm Beach County worthless check defense strategy and call Meltzer & Bell, P.A. at once.
Our skilled and knowledgeable attorneys have over 20 years of combined experience defending clients like you. To learn more about what Meltzer & Bell, P.A. can do for your worthless check case in Palm Beach County, call (561) 557-8686 today to schedule a free initial case consultation.
Worthless Checks in Palm Beach County
Florida has a special law, Fla. Stat. § 832.05, to address worthless checks. If you give a check or use a debit card knowing that you do not have sufficient funds in your bank account, you can be charged with violating this law. Even if the bank pays the recipient, you can still be charged and convicted.
If the amount is under $150, a conviction will be a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to a year in jail; and/or
- $1,000 fine.
If the amount is $150 or more, a conviction will be a third-degree felony, punishable by:
- Up to five years in prison; and/or
- $5,000 fine.
The 15th Judicial Circuit, which covers Palm Beach County, allows first-time bad check offenders to avoid criminal prosecution by attending a mandatory intervention class, in addition to paying restitution and court costs.
The assistance of a Palm Beach County criminal defense attorney can help ensure that you avoid criminal prosecution by entering the diversion program if you are a first time offender accused of passing a worthless check.
Finding a Criminal Defense Attorney in Palm Beach County Florida
If you have been accused of writing a worthless check anywhere in Palm Beach County, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Wellington, Jupiter, and the surrounding areas, contact Meltzer & Bell, P.A.. If you are considering the assistance of an attorney as a part of your defense strategy against an accusation of writing a worthless check in the West Palm Beach area, it is best to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after you have been arrested.
Lawrence Meltzer is a former felony special unit prosecutor and Steven Bell is a former major crimes public defender. Your first consultation with Meltzer & Bell, P.A. is free, so call (561) 557-8686 today and schedule your appointment with an attorney experienced in fighting a wide variety of economic crimes.
This article was last updated on Friday, October 14, 2016.
