Hartford Check Fraud Defense Lawyers

Legal defense against bad check charges in Hartford & Manchester, CT

Many of us have, without intent or malice, written a check that bounced. When this happens once or maybe twice over a lifetime, you don’t have much to worry about. However, when someone writes multiple bad checks, or intentionally writes checks knowing he or she has insufficient funds in the account, he or she may find himself/herself facing criminal charges. Penalties for check fraud convictions can include not only restitution, but jail time.

We understand that many people accused of check fraud are likely dealing with financial issues. Perhaps you’re dealing with the loss of a job, medical bills, or other pressure – but passing bad checks can quickly turn a personal situation into a criminal one. No matter the circumstances that led to your arrest and allegations against you, you need knowledgeable representation on your side.

The Hartford check fraud defense attorneys at Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC have a strong track record of successful criminal defense, and can help fight the charges against you. We negotiate with the court on your behalf, working to have charges minimized or dropped, protecting your rights and your future. Call us today if you’ve been accused of writing bad checks, check fraud, or check kiting.

What is check fraud and check kiting?

Writing bad checks, also called check fraud or check kiting, is a crime under CGS § 53a-128. On occasion, it’s possible for anyone to mistakenly write a check his or her bank account can’t cover. This might happen due to a late paycheck, a forgotten auto-pay, or another unexpected situation. In most cases, your bank may penalize you with an overdraft fee and leave it at that.

However, if someone intentionally writes a check so he or she can defraud or scam another person or business, then that check is considered a bad check by the courts. The intent makes the action into a crime, and the perpetrator can face harsh legal consequences.

Examples of check fraud in Hartford

Check fraud can encompass much more than just writing and passing bad checks. Our attorneys also represent individuals charged with check fraud involving circumstances including:

• Bank check fraud occurs when a person writes or orders checks from a closed account.
• Cashier’s check fraud involves using bad cashier’s checks to pay for a product and returning the item for cash.
• Check cashing fraud is when a person cashes checks he or she knows are fraudulent, whether obtained by identity theft or other criminal activity.
• Check deposit schemes are when a person deposits a check for someone else, and then gives the other person cash and takes a commission.
• Check kiting is another form of fraud where an individual floats money from account to account by writing checks and creating fraudulent balances.
• Electronic check fraud occurs when a person creates fraudulent checks from account information stolen electronically. These crimes can result in other charges, including state or federal internet crimes.
• Fake check fraud is exactly what it sounds like – illegal and manufactured checks.
• Forging a check is when someone signs or endorses someone else’s name to a check.
• Payroll check fraud can involve creating or cashing fake payroll checks, and can also result in embezzlement

It’s important that, if you’re arrested for check fraud or bad checks, you understand the charges against you in order to launch an effective defense.