What is the penalty for writing bad checks in North Carolina?

Answer 1

Here are the possible penalties for a misdemeanor worthless check.

Civil penalty

-up to three times the amount the check was written for, not to exceed $500.00 (plus court costs)

or less than $100.00

Criminal Penalty

-If check is less than $50 - $50 fine or up to 30 days in jail.

-Over three convictions, you can go to jail for up to one year.

-If the check is drawn on a non-existent account, you face a fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to 2 years or both.

-If check is drawn on account you closed prior to time check was written, the fine can go as high as $400 and you can also go to jail for up to 5 months.

§ 6‑21.3. Remedies for returned check.

and

§ 14‑107. Worthless checks

Are the specific statutes applicable to this question.

Here is the quick rundown on how this sort of charge will run down

The initial proceeding goes like this;

1. You get served with notice that you have written a bad check, this is a misdemeanor offense. You get everything that comes with a standard summons, a court date, the option to pay off the amount (plus court costs) by mail, etc. The friendly police officer will be happy to explain it to you.

2. You show up to court, or you don't.

2a. If you show up to court you get to plead guilty or not guilty as you choose, your call on this one. If you plead guilty, you pay the fine, if you plead not guilty, you get a court date. A piece of advice, lawyer up if you wanna go to trial.

2b. You don't show up to court, well usually the judge will be a bit miffed about this and issue a bench warrant for your arrest. This means that every cop in the state will be more than happy to toss you in cuffs and show you the joys of the prison system. Then they will give you a free ride to your court date and make sure you get there.

3. If you did it, you pay your fine and court costs. If you are found innocent, then go on your way and have a nice day.

A couple of side notes that might bear observation.

The statute of limitations only applies to the time limit on filing charges, it doesn't matter if the charges were filed 30 years ago, they still apply. If the charges were filed inside of the 2 year statute of limitations, they are there until they are resolved.

Answer 2

You can go to jail.