Each year merchants lose millions of dollars to bad checks. Bad checks affect everyone, pushing the costs of goods and services higher. As you know, they can be devastating to small businesses. Make no mistake; unlawfully issuing a bad check is a crime.

     The Check Enforcement Program is designed to assist merchants in recovering losses from intentionally written bad checks. The Program is FREE to all victims who accept a bad check within Orange County.

     It is designed to handle dishonored checks marked “Insufficient or Non-sufficient Funds,” “Account Closed” and “No Account” that are passed in Orange County.

     Our primary goal is to assure full restitution for the victim - including a victim service fee - without adding to the financial burden of the criminal justice system.

     Merchants in Orange County benefit from the Program because they receive restitution without paying any fees.

     First-time bad check writers benefit from the opportunity to avoid criminal prosecution by completing an offender education course. However, if the person fails to respond to the Program, the case will be referred for prosecutorial review.

     Finally, an improved economic climate in Orange County helps us all, businesses and individuals alike.

     If bad checks are a concern for your business, I encourage you to participate. Please take a few minutes to explore this site to learn more about the Check Enforcement Program. Learn how this Program can benefit you. Then feel free to register and use the Program.

Diana H. Wheeler

Commonwealth's Attorney