Check Fraud

The Moriarty Law Firm has been handling bad check and check fraud cases for individuals charged with theft and fraud offenses throughout New Jersey including in Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Mercer, Somerset, Morris, and Essex County for decades We have built our reputation on a string defense and a team of lawyers that get results. Call (732) 842-7773 now to speak with one of our attorneys.

New Jersey Check Fraud Law: Bad Checks N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5

In New Jersey, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-5 governs bad check offenses and provides in pertinent part:

§ 2C:21-5. Bad checks

A person who issues or passes a check or similar sight order for the payment of money, knowing that it will not be honored by the drawee, commits an offense as provided for in subsection c. of this section. For the purposes of this section as well as in any prosecution for theft committed by means of a bad check, an issuer is presumed to know that the check or money order (other than a post-dated check or order) would not be paid, if:

a. The issuer had no account with the drawee at the time the check or order was issued; or

b. Payment was refused by the drawee for lack of funds, or due to a closed account, after a deposit by the payee into a bank for collection or after presentation to the drawee within 46 days after issue, and the issuer failed to make good within 10 days after receiving notice of that refusal or after notice has been sent to the issuer’s last known address. Notice of refusal may be given to the issuer orally or in writing in any reasonable manner by any person.

c. An offense under this section is:

(1) a crime of the second degree if the check or money order is $ 75,000.00 or more;

(2) a crime of the third degree if the check or money order is $ 1,000.00 or more but is less than $ 75,000.00;

(3) a crime of the fourth degree if the check or money order is $ 200.00 or more but is less than $ 1,000.00;

(4) a disorderly persons offense if the check or money order is less than $ 200.00.
Penalties for Writing Bad Checks in NJ

The above statute lays out the penalties for writing bad checks in New Jersey. If the check is written for $75,000 or more, this will be graded a second degree offense. If the bad check is for more than $1,000 but less than $75,000, you will be charged with a third degree crime. If the check is in an amount between $200 and $1,000, this is considered a fourth degree offense. Finally, if the check is for less than $200 it is a disorderly persons offense in New Jersey.

No Matter How Serious Your Offense Is, We Can Handle It!

Penalties for fraud and theft offenses will often vary depending on the amount of money involved and the existence of a criminal conspiracy.

If you or someone you know has been charged with any type of theft or fraud offense, call (732) 842-7773 to speak with one of our lawyers 24 hours a day. You can also contact our office by e-mail to schedule a free initial consultation.