Can I go to jail for bouncing a check in NY?

Question

I bounced a check to be able to fix my car... It was actually two (2) checks and totally by accident -- but I haven't been able to rectify it and they are telling me they are going to press charges? I live in NY --- What can they do? I can pay them Friday - will that help?

Answer 1

depending on your criminal history and the size of the check,yes,you could go to jail for fraud.the only way these things get out of hand is if the bad check writer lets it by not taking care of business.

Answer 2

No you will not go to jail! (i have bounced so many check and over drawn my account)

First thing go to your bank and pay to have those 2 checks covered. Your bank should have covered those 2 checks for you and you would have to pay a steep fine to the bank... Did this happen? Who is pressing charges? The bank? Or the Car place. The car place can't do that.

This is what you do:

Type up a letter stating that you will pay the monies that are owed to the car repair place. Apologize and explain that you did not know that hey 2 checks would bounce. Enclose a "Money Order"( for the amount to repair the car)  with this document. Bring it into the car place. Give it to the manager or the person handling your case.  Get a receipt from them. Make sure that you make a copy of the letter you are bringing them and a copy of the Money order as well. Tell them that you want to resolve this issue with them.

If you already have someone pressing charges against you and you have paper work on it. Get a paid attorney. Let him advise you.

Answer 3

It is possible, but not likely.  Let them know you will pay Friday and they should work with you.  Make sure you send them a letter about it, with a return receipt.  If they press charges, it will take a long time for them to get their money.  Plus, you have proof that you tried to rectify the situation, and that should allow you to avoid criminal charges.