How the Program Works

      One of the primary goals of the Check Enforcement Program is to return money to the victims. Because this is a pre-complaint diversion program, there is a strong incentive for check writers to comply.  For the victim the process is easy:

Checks are finalized as quickly as possible.  Restitution that has been made is mailed within seven days of the Program receiving the money that is owed you.

If the check writer has not made payment, prosecution proceedings can begin or, if the case is not prosecutable, we will hold the check in an inactive status. If we receive additional information on the check writer the check case can be re-activated and further investigation can take place. Otherwise, the check will be returned. At that point in time, you may wish to turn the matter over to a private collection agency or pursue it through a small claims court.

Benefits for the entire community

     While the primary goal of the program is returning more to businesses and individuals who have lost money to worthless checkcrime, there are aspects of the program that help all of us.

    Check offenders pay all the costs of the program, so victims pay nothing.   That means no costs for merchants and only minimal costs to other taxpayers or local government, if prosecution can be avoided.

Fewer worthless checks

     Another important goal of the Program is fewer worthless checks being issued at all.  This is achieved in two ways.

     First, the Program provides merchants with informational material, signs and other items to help them do a better job with checks in general. This includes forms and guidelines for handling and submitting worthless checks to the Program.

     Second, all offenders are required to complete an educational course that teaches them how to control their finances. It is proven that these types of courses lower the number of repeat offenders. Fewer repeat offenders mean fewer worthless checks.