Bad Check Restitution

The Monterey County District Attorney's  Bad Check Restitution Program is continuing in its ongoing efforts to reduce losses incurred by citizens and businesses receiving non-sufficient fund checks.

Writing a check with intent to defraud is a crime and punishable by law. We know that businesses suffer a greater monetary loss each year as a direct result of receiving non-sufficient fund checks than any other form of theft.

 
   
The District Attorney’s Bad Check Restitution Program is designed to return lost monies to the victim, and provide rehabilitation or punishment for the offender. Fewer than two percent of the offenders referred to this office are repeat offenders. The program has recovered and returned over a million dollars to the citizens of Monterey County.

ELIGIBILITY FOR THE PROGRAM

  • The amount is no more than $2500 (or multiple checks, not exceeding this limit). There are no minimum dollar restrictions.

  • It was received in Monterey County and deposited in a bank in exchange for good or services presumed "good" at the time of acceptance.

  • A collection attempt can be documented in which the check writer had at least 10 days to make the check good.

  • It is submitted to the program within 90 days from the date on the check.
    A photo I.D. (Ca driver’s license, Ca identification card) was recorded at the time of the transaction.

INELIGIBLE BAD CHECKS

  • It is a post-dated.

  • Both parties knew there were insufficient funds at the time of transaction.

  • It is an out-of-state, two party, government, or payroll check.

  • The check involves an "extension of credit," or was payment on an account.

  • The identity of the check writer is unknown.

  • There is no amount or signature on the check.

REQUESTING ASSISTANCE

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements above and would like assistance, please do the following:

Download, print out and complete the Bad Check Complaint Form
(where to mail it to is included on the form) to file a complaint.

Any questions about our Bad Check Restitution Program should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office by calling (831) 755-5070 or (800) 926-2227.