Bounced Checks

BOUNCED CHECKS

Bouncing a check in New Jersey is a crime. NJSA 2C-21-5.
If the check was postdated when you received it, it’s just a promise to pay and not a crime. You may be out of luck on the check but you can still sue on the debt and we may be able to help you.
If a check is returned, you must give the issuer 10 days notice to make it good. Notice can be oral, or in writing by any reasonable manner, and given by any person. We recommend written notice to the issuer’s last known address and a phone call.
If the issuer does not make the check good, you can go to the Municipal Court Clerk and file a criminal complaint. This is generally done in the town where you received the check. Most people pay up when they get arrested. Sometimes, the Court orders them to make the check good, as part of their sentence.
You can also sue someone who bounced a check to you in Small Claims Court in the County where they live, or do business, if the check is less than $3500. For larger checks or out-of-state issuers, we can help you sue them in the District or Superior Courts.
Our office helps people with Wills, Estates and Trusts. If we can help you with a Will, just call us. We complete most people's documents within a matter of days.

Compliments of
Law Offices of Joseph M. Hoffmann
Attorney at Law
21 Main Street
Newton, New Jersey 07860
973-383-7415