WORTHLESS CHECK DIVISION PROCEDURE WHEN ACCEPTING A CHECK

Establish a firm policy regarding the cashing of checks for amounts over the cost of merchandise. If you permit this, assign the responsibility for approving such checks to specific employees.

Require a valid check, with all items of information legibly filled in, including the maker's address, place of employment and telephone number, complete date, and the same amount expressed in numerals and words. Post Office Box numbers must be accompanied by an address where maker resides.

Require the check to be signed in the presence of an employee. If the employee can't read the maker's signature, ask him or her to write it again.

Require identification. Don't hesitate to compare the photograph or description on the identification to the person, and to compare the signature to that on the check. BE SURE ALL IDENTIFICATION IS CURRENT. If the person presenting the check refuses to give identification, or there is insufficient identification, don't cash the check.

An employee should record all identification numbers on the check itself, and should place his initials on the check when he accepts it. There is almost no chance of conviction if the person who accepts the check cannot identify the maker of the check in court.

Don't accept an undated or post-dated check.

Never hold a check for over thirty days before presenting it to the bank for payment, and if the bank returns it takes immediate action.

PROCEDURE WHEN A CHECK IS RETURNED

In order for the 26th Judicial District Attorney to effectively prosecute offenders under Revised Statutes 14:71, Issuing Worthless Checks and 16:15, Issuing Worthless Checks, it has adopted the following policies.

1) The holder of the check must present it to the named bank for payment even in those instances when it is known that the check will not be honored.

2) The bank, upon returning a "Hot Check" will attach a Bank Flag or will stamp the check indicating why the check was not honored. The flag should be left attached to the check.

3) The holder must give a 10 day written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the maker, informing him that the check was not honored by the bank and should set forth the reason as noted on the flag. A copy of the written notice must be made and retained by the complainant. The letter must state that the maker has ten days after receiving this notice to make the good, or the check will be turned over to the District Attorney's Office of Collection.

Click Here For Sample 10 Day Letter

CHECKS TO AVOID

Under Louisiana Law, the District Attorney's Office will not file a criminal complaint for the following type checks:

1) Checks where ten (10) day notice was not given by certified mail/return receipt
requested.
2) Post dated, "Hold" or "Stop Payment" or "No Account Found" checks.
3) Checks drawn on out of Parish or out of State banks: unless the holder is willing
to pay to transport the bookkeeper here from the state where the bank is located
if necessary for prosecution.
4) Checks where the passer lives out of state.
5) Checks not presented to your bank in due course of business, which should be
within (ten days) from the date of the check.
6) Three party checks. (Checks payable to someone other than merchant)
7) Check for which partial payment has been received.
8) A check given in exchange for a returned check.
9) A check more than one (1) year old.

PROCEDURES

If the maker does not pay or cause the check to honored within ten (10) days after the mailing of the notice, then the check may be presented to the District Attorney's
Office for criminal prosecution. The check must be presented in person by the holder who must furnish the following:

1) The check must be accompanied with the bank flag or other proof of dishonor
such as bank stamp.
2) A signed postal receipt or returned letter that is undeliverable.
3) A copy of the 10 day letter.
4) The name of the person who accepted the check and who can identify the person
who passed the same.
5) Complete verified address. Post Office Box numbers must be accompanied by an
address where maker resides.
6) Louisiana Driver's license number.
7) Military Unit and home address must be on all checks given by persons in the
service.

Click here for Sample 10 Day Letter and Worthless Check Report Form - (PDF File)

Who do I Contact:

Bossier Parish

Mrs. Phyllis Vaughan, Coordinator
Courthouse Building - Room 317
204 Burt Boulevard - Po Box 69
Benton, LA 71006
Phone: (318) 965-3721 · FAX: (318) 965-2233
Email - Phyllis Vaughan
Email - Buddy Mondello

Webster Parish

Email - Bobby Morgan

Webster Parish Courthouse
Chief Office Liaison Investigator
PO Box 758
Minden, Louisiana 71055
Tel: 318-377-7557
Fax: 318-377-1519