We look forward to working with you as we assist you in obtaining the restitution which you are owed as a result of being victimized by those who write bad checks.

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Instructions for Bad Check Complaints
You will need to pick up a Bad Check Complaint Packet from our office. The packets may also be faxed or emailed, upon your request. This contains instructions and the forms that you will need. The check must have been received within the Twenty-Second Circuit Court District which is composed of Copiah, Claiborne, and Jefferson Counties.

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All bad checks must be stamped by the bank.
If the check is stamped “NSF” (insufficient funds), then you must send a Statutory Notice by certified green card mail. The check writer must be given fifteen (15) days to make the check good. After fifteen (15) days have passed and you have not received restitution, you may then file a complaint with our BCU. If the letter is returned unclaimed or undeliverable, you may file the complaint immediately. The letter must be sent to the address on the check or the address given by the check writer at the time the check was passed. If the check is stamped “Account Closed,” then you do not need to send a letter.

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When you turn in a complaint, you must turn in the original or the Legal Copy (stamped by the bank) of the Check. You must also fill out a complaint form for each check that is turned in. Once a bad check complaint is filed with our office, you should not accept any payment toward the check. We do not charge merchants for handling their bad checks, however, if you accept payment on the check after you have turned it in to our office, then you will be responsible for withdrawing the check. 

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Do NOT File a Complaint If:
You have accepted any partial payment towards the check. This makes the matter civil and must be taken through a lower court. The check is a two-party check. The check is stamped “signature does not match” or “forgery.” These must be taken through the appropriate Law Enforcement Agency. The check is stamped “Stopped Payment.” These checks will also be taken through a lower court.

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What Happens After We Receive A Bad Check Complaint?

We receive a very high number of checks. A $40 state fee and a $40 victim fee is added on to each check. We do not immediately issue an arrest warrant for the offender. State law requires that we send a series of letters giving them a chance to pay the check through our office.

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What Happens if They Still Fail to Pay the Check?
If the check writer does not respond to our efforts to collect on the check, then the case is presented to the Grand Jury for an indictment if in the amount is $100 or more. If the check is below $100, it is filed in a lower court by our office. If the individual is indicted, a felony warrant is issued for their arrest. It may take some time for the warrant to be served depending on how quickly the subject can be located, or the ability of law enforcement to serve the warrant.

 

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